At some point, a pattern begins to develop:
Washington Man Arrested For Allegedly Assaulting Anti-Rossi Protester
A 72-year-old man was arrested for allegedly assaulting a 23-year-old activist protesting Dino Rossi's Republican campaign for Senate in Washington state yesterday, according to local reports.
The incident occured outside GOP headquarters in Walla Walla County where the demonstrator, Christie Stordeur, was "one of five protesters standing about 40 feet from the entrance of the office," according to the Tri-City Herald.
Stordeur and the other protesters "were wearing bags over their heads and holding a sign that looked like a check." That's when Victor Phillips, according to a Sheriff's deputy on scene, walked over to Stordeur to "lift her bag off her head." When Stordeur "lifted her arm in defense," Phillips hit it "with 'force.'"
What do you suppose the excuse will be this time? Bum knees again? Maybe Christie Stordeur should be made to apologize to Victor Phillips.
There's another sickening sameness to these recent events, too: click through to the TPM story and you will see that, yet again, the victim is a young woman who does not appear particularly physically threatening.
It's important to remember that tempers always run high during elections, and anyone who's ever been active in politics knows that people attracted to activism aren't always the model of mental stability. Still, beginning with the rash of vandalism incidents at Democratic party offices early this year, it has become clear that there is a certain segment of the teabag movement that feels comfortable using violent intimidation as a tool against those whom they perceive as their enemies. It will be interesting to hear just how strongly Dino Rossi feels he must speak out against the tactics used by some of his supporters, if at all.
Edit 10:21 AM PDT: Rec List, y'all. Wish it were under more pleasant circumstances.
Edit 10:27 AM PDT: Hesiod in the comments appears to have located our boy on a book swap site, as an author who failed to take his own advice:
Have you ever had to react quickly to a situation? Have you then regretted your reaction or something you said or did? "Basic Rules" is a handy reference for navigating some of life's dilemmas. Author Victor Phillips has collected various truths from mentors and friends over the years and learned some from personal experience. [...] Author Victor Phillips holds a master's degree in educational media. He has taught and worked in educational media at Walla Walla Community College in Walla Walla, Washington.
Edit 11:09 AM PDT: One Victor R. Phillips is an elected Republican precinct committee officer in Walla Walla County (h/t angry marmot).
Edit October 29: The TPM story originally stated that this incident happened on Wednesday. It actually happened October 15, two weeks ago.