An altercation begins between William Rice, right, in khaki shirt and olive shorts, and an unidentified man wearing black, who authorities say bit off Rice’s little finger. Anyone with information about the biting incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
An opponent of government healthcare programs had part of a finger bit off during a fight at a pro-healthcare-reform rally this week in Thousand Oaks.
William Rice, 65, of Newbury Park was with a small group of counter-protesters at a vigil Wednesday night organized by Moveon.org when a man bit off part of his left pinky finger during a scuffle, authorities said. Doctors were unable to reattach Rice’s finger.
Sheriff’s detectives Thursday were still looking for the man who bit Rice. Investigators also were sifting through conflicting accounts of the incident, but Rice acknowledged that he threw the first punch.
“When he got in my personal space, I popped him in the nose,” Rice said in a phone interview Thursday. “I felt like I had no choice other than to defend myself.”
The incident was reported at 7:26 p.m. Wednesday at Lynn Road and Hillcrest Drive, where more than 100 people gathered for the pro-healthcare-reform vigil.
About 15 people opposed to President Obama’s healthcare reform stood across the street from Moveon.org’s group. Members of Code Pink: Women for Peace also were there, authorities said.
Rice got involved in a heated discussion with a member of Code Pink, said sheriff’s Capt. Ross Bonfiglio, a department spokesman. After the argument, Rice returned to where his group was standing. An unidentified man then walked from Moveon.org’s area toward the opponents and verbally confronted Rice, allegedly calling him names and acting aggressively, Bonfiglio said.
Rice told investigators he felt threatened by the man and punched him in the nose, Bonfiglio said. A fight ensued, during which part of Rice’s finger was bitten off, Bonfiglio said.
Rice drove himself to Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks. Another man found the bitten-off portion of the finger and took it to Rice at the hospital, Bonfiglio said.
Doctors told Rice the pinky, severed near the second knuckle, could not be reattached because of high bacteria levels from a human bite, he told the Ventura County Star.
Rice said he did not initially plan to participate in any demonstration Wednesday. He was driving by when he spotted Code Pink members, and he stopped to see if they were protesting the military, he said. Rice has a son who is an officer in the Marine Corps.
After a brief exchange with Code Pink members, Rice said, he was satisfied they were not protesting the military. He was leaving when a man who seemed “deranged” approached and called him an “idiot,” he said.
Rice said he felt like the man had singled him out because he was the “easiest target.” But the incident happened quickly, he said, and he doesn’t clearly remember everything that preceded the altercation.
Scott Bush, 43, of Thousand Oaks said he was standing with Rice in the group opposed to healthcare reform when the man walked over from the Moveon.org group. Bush said the man asked the group if it supported a public health insurer option, and members responded “no.” The man then singled out Rice and asked him why, according to Bush. When Rice responded that he didn’t want the government involved in anything, the man moved toward Rice and yelled, “You’re an idiot,” Bush said.
Bush said Rice then hit the man in a defensive move. The man then pulled Rice into the street, according to Bush.
After a fight that lasted only a few seconds, Bush said, he heard Rice say, “He bit my finger off,” and he saw a stump.
Several witnesses said Rice’s shirt was ripped during the scuffle.
Bush said he later found the roughly 1-inch piece of finger about 20 feet away and took it to Los Robles Hospital.
The suspect left before police arrived, authorities said. He was described as a short man with a medium build, wearing a blue cap, black shirt and black shorts.
Detectives were still trying to determine much about the incident, including whether the man intended to bite off Rice’s finger, sheriff’s Detective Eric Buschow said.
Rice said he thinks the man intended to harm him but not bite off his finger.
Authorities did not consider the man a criminal suspect Thursday and were not looking to arrest him, Buschow said. “We want him to come forward so we can talk to him. We want to hear his side,” Buschow said. “He’s part of the puzzle.”
The man did give an account of the incident to people at the Moveon.org gathering before he disappeared, said Joanie McClellan of Thousand Oaks, an organizer of the vigil. The man was visibly shaken, with his glasses askew and a lens missing, she said.
McClellan said no one at the gathering knew the man, who never gave his name and said he wasn’t on the Moveon.org list. McClellan, also involved with Code Pink in Ventura County, said she did not see the altercation.
The man told McClellan he was on his way to the healthcare vigil when Rice heckled and then hit him, she said. The man acknowledged he had bitten Rice’s finger, she said.
“We had asked him to go and sit on the grass so he could calm down, and I never saw him again,” she said.
Although he did not plan to protest Wednesday, Rice said, he’s opposed to government involvement in general, except for mail service and the military.
“It doesn’t have any business in anybody’s healthcare,” he said.
Rice acknowledged he used the Medicare he gets as a senior when he went to the hospital Wednesday. He said it was the first time he used the program, to which he remains adamantly opposed.
“If I had any other options, I would not have used it, even though I pay for it,” he said.
Emily Kryer, spokeswoman for U.S. Rep. Lois Capps, said the incident will not affect plans for a healthcare forum Friday night in Oxnard. The congresswoman will co-host a community information session at 6 p.m. at Bethel AME Church. Kryder said Oxnard police officers will provide security.
Anyone with information about the biting incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.
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CommentsPosted by OjaiGuy on September 3, 2009 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Do over!!! :)
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So the finger biting victim FIRST punched the biter in the nose and then got his finger bitten off in retaliation.
Posted by Blaine on September 3, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Typical of Obamacare & Obanomics cadre. Attack those who do not support the messiah.
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wrong again Blaine. The first punch was threw by the right wing extremist.
Posted by Blaine on September 3, 2009 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No JW
The Obamite assaulted the victim who acted in defense
learn the lawPosted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Who is JW??
Read the story. CAREFULLY next time before commenting.
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Read the story CAREFULLY next time Blaine. LOL! you just never get it right. The finger biting victim threw the FIRST PUNCH.
And who is this delusional JW you keep imagining?
Posted by Blaine on September 3, 2009 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
assault is defined as the THREAT or attempt to strike another, whether successful or not.
Posted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
STAR: Thank You for re doing the article......MUCH better!
Again Thanks!!
Posted by jeffinventura on September 3, 2009 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Rice later told investigators he punched him in the nose. The punch set off a fist fight between the two men, during which the tip of Rice’s left pinky finger was bitten off."
Sounds like Rice started the fight and got his finger bit off for his actions.
Kinda serves him right for resorting to violence!
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is ironic that the 65 year old man probably has Medicare and was treated by "socialized medicine" LOL!
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Words are not threat Blaine. Throwing the first PHYSICAL PUNCH is the assault. No wonder you never could make it in law!!
Posted by hotwildflower on September 3, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
He threw the 1st punch, ok but does that deserve to have a finger BITTEN off??? OMG! The force it would take to bite through a bone! That is just complete rage and sickening.
He walked away and was confronted by the moveon.org person, HE WALKED AWAY before feeling threatened enough to throw punch.
A 65 year old man had his finger bitten off, that just floors me...and I am almost equally as outraged that it doesn't outrage others.
Posted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
No wonder there were so many police cars there last night......I was wondering why they had 5 cars there for most of the night monitoring the situation.
Posted by PirateSmurf on September 3, 2009 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Come on people when you are in a fist fight everyone knows that you are supposed to bite the ear off not the finger...geez
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 10:19 a.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by JohnInSimi on September 3, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Apparently libs can't handle a softball punch from a 65 year old. According to that loony lib, the 65 year old was such a lethal threat that he had to get his finger bitten off.
Posted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
joocanu - Are you saying you would have brandished a firearm or you would have shot him???
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"According to that loony lib, the 65 year old was such a lethal threat that he had to get his finger bitten off."
LOL at right wing "comprehension" He had FIRST got punched in the nose by the right wing extremist.
Posted by OjaiGuy on September 3, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blaine's right. From reading the article, the Tyson impersonator wasn't even involved in the original argument, but went out of his way to confront Rice. Rice felt threatened and punched him.
I've been in situations where people start waving there fingers in front of my face and I simply tell them if they don't stop, I'm going to break it off. Their behavior is a sign of physical aggression and I won't tolerate it.
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
bobjohnson Well we now know you are a mental giant.
If someone gets in your face and is spitting their STD infected mouth all over you that is considered a deadly weapon and the victim can use whatever force needed to defend themselves.
Cops don't even let a suspect get within 15 feet before a gun or tazer is used.
This is what I mean by learning to read and not be a Jim Jones follower. Would you drink Obama’s Kool-Aid?
Posted by Blaine on September 3, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
<Words are not threat Blaine. Throwing the first PHYSICAL PUNCH is the assault>
JW,
the punch is a battery.
One can use a battery as a defense against an assault. An assault does not need contact - an assault can occur from across a room so long as there is a reasonable apprehension of an imminent battery.I will be happy to keep providing guidance to you.
Keep insulting, it only makes you look more childish.
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"If someone gets in your face and is spitting their STD infected mouth all over you that is considered a deadly weapon and the victim can use whatever force needed to defend themselves."
Not under the California Penal Code.
Posted by OjaiGuy on September 3, 2009 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Words are not threat Blaine." That's absolutely absurd. Haven't you ever heard of making terrorist threats?
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That is when VIOLENCE is threatened. Disagreements over a political issue are not threats.
Posted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
joocanu - You think spit is a deadly weapon??? What planet do you come from??
Please answer my earlier question..........are you saying you would have brandished a firearm or that you would have shot him?
Posted by Tanker on September 3, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bob..get your facts, the biter first walked across the street to start the argument. Then he got punched. Then he bit the finger.
Just proves that Obamacare bites.
Posted by Blaine on September 3, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
<Words are not a threat>
Really!!!
Call the local ______ and "threaten" to _______ someone. Wait & see what happens. Ought to be fun!<people start waving there fingers in front of my face>
Ojai,
Keep in mind if you are Tyson and 90lb Minnie Mouse waves her finger or threatens, you are not in "reasonable apprehension" (assuming no other factors). But if "reasonable apprehension" of a battery exists, then you can break them. Always remember its best not to have to explain...Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"an assault can occur from across a room so long as there is a reasonable apprehension of an imminent battery."
And where did it say the 65 year old had been threatend with violence Blaine?
Nowhere!!
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What Exactly Does "Making a Terrorist Threat" Mean?
The crime of "making a terrorist threat" is a recent creation enacted at both the state and federal levels after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. It is a very general law that can be used to prosecute terrorists, but has been used far more often to prosecute situations involving domestic violence, hate crimes, bomb threats, and school violence. Indeed, in many states, the term "terrorist" has been amended to mean simply "criminal."Someone willfully threatens to commit a crime that will result in death or great bodily harm. This means that the threat obviously has to be of a highly dangerous nature. Threatening to slash someones tires, for instance, would probably not be sufficient. However, the threat can be made in any medium, written, orally, or electronically transmitted.
Posted by RedTail on September 3, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Actually the guy who got his finger bit was trying to pick fights with anyone there. I don't think he was part of the opposing side either. They were pretty peaceful.
Posted by jduda on September 3, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gee! It sounds like Mike Tyson was there.
Posted by Blaine on September 3, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
<Disagreements over a political issue are not threats>
apparently JW was the biter as he knows it was a mere disagreement
Posted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
""I wish I was there I would have showed the tiny Tyson wanabe why I joined the NRA.""
That is your exact quote..........
What is that supposed to mean? you have brought a gun to a peacefull demonstration? And shot someone for fighting??
Posted by midst23109 on September 3, 2009 at 10:34 a.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by rebel123 on September 3, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The actions of these two men do not represent anyone except themselves and their own poor choices and inability to control their anger. The nose puncher is not a typical conservative republican, and the finger biter is not a typical liberal democrat. Their actions do not define either side of this issue and only serve to polarize everyone else. Ridiculous. It sounds like they were both completely out of line.
I would like to point out that calling the healthcare issue Obamacare is ridiculous. Obama has not written any of the proposed initiatives. The current system of health insurance and insanely and increasing expensive healthcare in this country is driving people into bankruptcy while it amasses billions of dollars in profit at the expense of our citizens' health and pockets. It has to be changed! If you don't see that it is broken, you are either blind, ignorant or don't want to accept facts. How it gets changed should be a topic that we ALL open our minds to and have collaborative, creative and civil discourse about. There are probably many good solutions but as long as either side is staunchly rooted in an unmovable position and uses tactics of disruption rather than discourse, nothing good is likely to come of any meetings.
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
1TOguy Read my reply two above you....
Posted by ariel on September 3, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, i hope this guy had health insurance. oh ya he must he's 65 so im sure he has medicare which is socialized medicine the thing he is protesting about hilarious!
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
1TOguy, that’s the beauty of CCW, the bad guy never knows.
Posted by opi on September 3, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
T.O. makes headlines on Drudge Report http://drudgereport.com/
Thousand Oaks finally gets the recognition it deserves.
Posted by Mr_E_Man on September 3, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Loks to me like Rice started an argument (verbal assault) with a bunch of women, then got bent out of shape when a man returned the favor. He couldn't handle it so he punched the guy and got his finger bitten off as a result.
Posted by stonewall on September 3, 2009 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
this is cute!
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 10:41 a.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by Will on September 3, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What a bunch of maroons.
The government has promised more benefits than it can provide and has frittered away the money it was supposed to have for future obligations. Obamacare is simply a cash grab by the government to steal the premiums being paid by the most productive members of society and redistribute them to the "unfunded liabilities".
Posted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
joocanu - I understand CCW.
But my concern is that you said That "if you were there you would have showed this guy why you joined the NRA"
1st) What is that supposed to mean.....? Are you saying you would shoot him?? or are you saying you would brandish the gun to scare him? Either one is a crime.
2nd) Being a member of the NRA doesn’t get you a CCW permit.....They are very hard to get in this county and I doubt you have one legally, by the way you talk.
Posted by Marty523 on September 3, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just like Tyson...the Pro Obama healthcare guy was getting his a$# beat by a 65 year old man so he had to bit his finger off. AWESOME!!!! Then he took off...what wuss.
Posted by Tanker on September 3, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
rebel123...You are right, the new PC phrase is "Kennedycare", not "Obamacare".
I love spin. I suppose Obama's healthcare speech next week will blame Bush.
Hahaaaaaa.
Posted by Blaine on September 3, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
JW asked <where did it say the 65 year old had been threatend>
right here JW:
"Rice later told investigators he felt threatened by the man" paragraph 6, 1st sentenceJW also states <"spitting their STD infected mouth all over you that is considered a deadly weapon and the victim can use whatever force needed to defend themselves." Not under the California Penal Code>
JW is correct. It is not in the penal Code.
It is in California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 4 § 120290
...any person afflicted with any contagious, infectious, or communicable disease who willfully exposes himself or herself to another person, and any person who willfully exposes another person afflicted with the disease to someone else, is guilty of a misdemeanor.JW is also correct that california Penal Code does not state you can use force in protectinbg against infection.
That would be a "Defense". defenses are not listed in the code. defenses are common law, judicially creayted via case law.Thanks for the help here JW
Posted by rebel123 on September 3, 2009 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The government hasn't promised anything! There are a myriad of proposed plans to bring affordable health coverage to ALL citizens, none of which have been selected as yet. The doom and gloom predictions of what will happen if the government steps in with controls on the currently broken system are premature and not based on any real facts or figures. Open your minds and realize the current system is costing everyone more. Those with no coverage are being treated at the highest possible cost in ER's as well has having surgeries and other treatments that they don't pay for because they can't. Who do you suppose ends up picking up the tab for that?? Right, those of us with insurance in the form of higher priced care and higher premiums!
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blaine: Who is this JW person you keep imagining???
"Feeling" threatened is not the same as "being" threatened. But it does help one make an excuse for throwing the first punch. Nowhere in the article does it say that any witnesses stated a verbal threat was made.
And where does it state the biter actually had a case of STD? Or was even spitting? Nowhere.
Posted by rebel123 on September 3, 2009 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tanker: I see you chose to ignore my point, which is that both sides need to ratchet down the vitriol, name calling and rhetoric. Your comment only serves to further polarize your detractors. Open your minds to the idea that the "other" side might have some good points. And I say that to both sides. It can't continue to be an "us against them" situation. Nothing will change. The status quo is not working and change must happen. If you wish to be part of constructive change, then act responsibly and speak constructively and stop the branding and name calling.
Posted by ThatsTheFactJack on September 3, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The victim could not finger the suspect! I guess he made his point! He could not point out the suspect in the lineup! LOL, I crack myself up! Come on people there are a ton of these.
Posted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blaine - Are you saying "joocanu" is the same person as "JWrocks"
Posted by RedTail on September 3, 2009 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by Mr_E_Man on September 3, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Looks to me like Rice started an argument (verbal assault) with a bunch of women, then got bent out of shape when a man returned the favor. He couldn't handle it so he punched the guy and got his finger bitten off as a result.
_______________________________I think you're correct Mr_E_Man. If it's the same guy as I think it is, he was confronting people about the war on the pro-reform side and was extremely angry and belligerent. Again, I don't think he was even part of the opposing side. He was just picking fights with whoever.
Posted by OjaiGuy on September 3, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MoveOn has a well earned reputation of outrageous behaviors in both speech and actions. The MoveOn guy pushed the button of the wrong guy. The MoveOn guy instigated the incident by crossing the street and was probably in Rice's face. The Star doesn't state so, only the witnesses know for sure, but I'll bet that's what happened.
Posted by Blaine on September 3, 2009 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
1TOguy
no, bobjohnson is JWPosted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blaine - Are you sure??
He is at least coherent when he types. and hasn't said a word about Simi Valley Police and their doughnuts.
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 11:29 a.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Blaine was told I was "JW" by the person who posts as Hey_Scapegoat and thus believes it. This JW character must sure have beat him up bad in the past.
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BTW I am Not JW. But if JW is smart I will take that as a complement.
Posted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
joocanu - my concern is that you said That "if you were there you would have showed this guy why you joined the NRA"
1st) What is that supposed to mean.....? Are you saying you would shoot him?? or are you saying you would brandish the gun to scare him? Either one is a crime and a very serious one at that.
2nd) Being a member of the NRA doesn’t get you a CCW permit.....They are very hard to get in this county and I doubt you have one legally, by the way you talk.
I'm sorry you feel that you need to insult me and doge my question. I am just trying to figure out why you mentioned your gun and your NRA membership.
Posted by Tanker on September 3, 2009 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
REBEL123...Then we should call it "Obamacare" afterall?
I'd like to see some change. I'd like to be out of Iraq. I'd like to be out of Afghanistan. I'd like to have the economy fixed. I'd like to see Obama take ownership of these problems.
Until then, I don't trust Obama with my healthcare. I especially don't trust Pelosi and Reid with my healthcare.
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I smell more smoke......
Posted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
joocanu - Thats a fantastic response...
I called you out on a childish comment (removed by star staff). And you have no response. You should think before you post in the future. And if you truly would have brought a gun to this peacefull demonstration and used it in some way you belong at Todd Rd or Main Jail.
Posted by hanuman on September 3, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hahahahahahahaha...serves him right. The liberal left has a reputation for not fighting back, and the right has a reputation for advocating violence. It's about time these creepy bullies learned they can't just go hitting people without consequences.
Posted by gdawg2112 on September 3, 2009 at 11:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think bobjohnson gets accused of being JW by the continued use of LOL and ROFLMAO - not to mention the continued "kool-aid" drinking and Rush Limbaugh references. Now when he gets really original, he comments on Faux news or some such thing. Same fool different sobriquet.
Posted by Dap on September 3, 2009 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
local fox news this morning had the story backwards... they said the biter was the 65 year old man... oops
Posted by ironmaiden on September 3, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The train of socialism and communism has arrived
Posted by jkboller on September 3, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was there...shouldn't have happened and took away from the issue...I do hope the fingerless guy who pulled the first punch has health insurance. Everyone should have access to it.
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
".I do hope the fingerless guy who pulled the first punch has health insurance. Everyone should have access to it."
He has Medicare. Better known to them as "socialized" medicine.
Posted by hanuman on September 3, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That's what I read elsewhere...he has Medicare, and they re-attached the finger. Socialized medicine...ya gotta love it! Private insurance might have denied treatment, due to his pre-existing condition...violent stupidity.
Posted by Maz on September 3, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, let's hope this guy had health insurance! Oh wait, he's probably on Medicare (the type of health care he was protesting).
Posted by cassandra2 on September 3, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sigh, so stupid.
I'm getting info from folks who were there. The biter tried to get through the antis, was assaulted by the bitee who knocked the dudes glasses off and grabbed him. The biter then bit the bitee to get free, which he did.
Justice prevailed.
I don't know how representative they are of liberal or conservative, but they seem representative of guys. (OH, how sexist. Bad me.)
Posted by Blaine on September 3, 2009 at 12:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
cassandra
learn the definition of assault (tip: you won't learn it from common usage)Posted by megnosis on September 3, 2009 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Do people just gloss over the article? It's odd that information's only been gathered from the pro-insurance side. And that information seems doubtable. For instance-
---
'Bush said Rice then hit the man in a defensive move. The man then pulled Rice into the street, according to Bush.'
---But then we get the report later down-
---
'He was described as a short man with a medium build...'
---So the report indicates this was a relatively small man, while other reports on the internet indicate that Rice, even at 65, is rather tall, or large for our purposes.
Bush also claims Rice was pulled into the street, which means the man was put into the street by Rice's punch, into traffic. And this smaller man was the threat?
Not sure I can believe the pro-insurance folks on this one. And it seems odd that there's no report on Rice's belligerant attitude towards women earlier.
Finally, from a world experience standpoint, the weaker person in a phyiscal conflict has to resort to a biting attack. It's clear that until the biter bit, he was the victim in that scenario.
There is no excuse for either behavior, and I don't think anyone should be standing at the side of either man.
Posted by kengreen on September 3, 2009 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If I yell "You're an idiot" at you, and you punch me in return. I can guarantee that no judge will say that you acted in self defense. But, the story is pretty funny. I only wish we knew what sort of health insurance the fingerless man had. I mean, I hope the government didn't pay for his finger to get reattached in the emergency room. If so, he should be billed the $15,000 the surgery cost.
Posted by snooze_worthy on September 3, 2009 at 1:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This story is HILARIOUS. I can only imagine the blood curdling screams filtering through Mr. Rice's crooked teeth.
'Tanker': stop being such a predictable, right winged, scaredy cat. Obama isn't going to bomb your house and rape and pillage your family. Bush already did that, silly goose! Oh wait - maybe I'm mixing up your house with Iraq (?).
Posted by cassandra2 on September 3, 2009 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Assault definition? Are we talking tort or crime?
Dude punched the biter in the nose. Seems like assault either way. In-your-face hardly requires punching someone defensively.
According to the KTLA report Mr. Finger had Medicare. LOL
I wonder which finger it was? It could have crippled the guy's entire vocabulary of insults.
Posted by SPF1000 on September 3, 2009 at 1:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder if the old dude had insurance? Was it his middle finger? If one plays with fire, they will undoubtedly get burned. Sounds like two real mental giants, though. Yea, stupidity! Without you we would have less fun.
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
1TOguy, Is it true Dial security pink slipped you?
Having the Star remove a comment is an honor.
Posted by roamn_da_earf on September 3, 2009 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
snoozy....
Put the jug of Cool-aid down... The government has grown bigger and bigger in the last 9 months. I would assume you are a Dem.... And based on that I would assume you like getting free things (handouts) on the toil of other people's hard work. Government handouts have never been a good idea. My wife is a card carrying Oklahoma Cherokee Nation American Indian and can attest to the piss poor government run health care provided to her and her people.
Q- If this health care reform is such a good idea then why hasn't the government completely spelled out what is in the bill. The president hasn't even been able to do so.... Everyone hold onto your wallets..... I smell a sinker!
Posted by Comments on September 3, 2009 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I echo Rebel's sentiments entirely. As usual her comments bring a voice of reason to these discussions.
Both of these guys were over the top, and out of line. As far as I'm concerned it's a job for the police, and criminal justice system to determine what happened, and lay blame, and if appropriate punishment where it belongs. Trying to turn this into a us vs. them issue is just plain assinine.
And, those of you who find this funny/exciting concern me. Folks like you are one step away from becoming either one of these idiots. Those of us who wish to live in a democratic society ought to be appalled by the behavior of both men.
Posted by lawabider on September 3, 2009 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wonderful to see such delightful side bashing from the political forum AGAIN... Note that we ALL agree that healthcare is a problem in America -- how about, instead of the government (which can't control a thing) does NOT control healthcare, but imposes restrictive laws on the insurers, hospitals, docs, etc.?? Like, why in the world would it cost $15k to sew that pinky back on? I could do it in ten minutes for FREE!
Posted by volcmsurf78 on September 3, 2009 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
im hungry
Posted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
joocanu - No that’s not true I do not work in the private sector.
Again you have not responded to my question. All you have done is attempt to insult me and dodge my questions...
I will say it again....Your comment regarding bringing a gun to the protest and "showing this guy why your a member of the NRA" is childish and laughable. You belong at one of the fine County Facilities run by the Sheriff's Dept.
Posted by AmerikanPatriot on September 3, 2009 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So this upstanding Libtroll approaches a 65 year man in an aggressive manner and gets socked in the nose? Good for the old guy! Then this idiot bites his finger off and flees just like the criminals the Dim party supports! Losers all! If things degenerate in this country to war we will see everyone on the battlefield I guess! That will be interesting!!! lol
Posted by Osamas_Pajamas on September 3, 2009 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well, OhBummer DID tell his thugs to "get in the face" of his opponents, and so his mind-numbed robots in Code Pink and Move On did exactly that to a 65 year-old man who opposes the healthcare hijackers. It's not healthcare "reform," by the way, it's just another falsification of reality from the OhBummer Wrecking Crew.
So the old man refrains from slugging the Code Pink shrew who "got in his face" for opposing OhBummer, and then a thug from Move On moved in on him and invaded his personal space in a threatening way and insulted him. The only thing wrong with the old man's response is that he let the Move On thug get away, as clearly, we don't need such thugs out on the street threatening OhBummer's critics with bodily harm. Watch out for a black-shirted Move On thug and turn him over for a beating by the police with a rubber hose. ~:<)
Posted by momandmore on September 3, 2009 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Any mention in the Vc star about President Obamas delivering a speech across the country to address elementary, middle and high school students in an online speech Tuesday?
Long weekend coming up are parents complacent or uninformed?
Posted by noonereallycares on September 3, 2009 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
moveon.org = COMPLETE MORONS
Posted by hb1234100 on September 3, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Moveon.org is a corrupt organization run by thugs and is a danger to this country. All of you people defending the finger biter just because he got punched first seem to ignore the fact that he approached the victim and confronted him in a threatening manner. If somebody crossed a street and got in my face I would punch them too. That is no excuse for biting someone's finger off! BTW, lawabider, you are obviously not too smart. Do you really think you can just sew someone's finger back on???? There is a lot more involved in reattaching a body part then simply "sewing it back on"; it is not a simple procedure.
Posted by lawabider on September 3, 2009 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
and when the revolution DOES come, only the Republicans will be armed! good luck with that, libs!
Posted by Richguy on September 3, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It sounds like both of these guys (the biter and the bitee) are hothead screwballs. You have to worry about the future of healthcare when the discussion revolves around who is at fault in a childish fight between a hot-tempered old fart and a Mike Tyson wanna-be.
Posted by stockplacer on September 3, 2009 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THE GUY WHO GOT HIS FINGER BITTEN OFF IS AN ABSOLUTE CLOWN.
Posted by Osamas_Pajamas on September 3, 2009 at 2:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, by the way, OhBummer's "Skulls Full Of Mush" speech to little kids is supposed to be on Sept 8th. Now there's a soft target and an easy audience without the wits and life experience and AUDACITY to challenge OhBummer. I'm glad my daughters [17 and 19] turned-out to be right-wing feminists --- now THEY would stand toe-to-toe and debate with OhBummer --- and the slightest move to hit either one of them would be disastrous for the perpetrator. Yee haa. ~:<)
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
1TOguy Are you A.D.D. or just slow?
What I do to protect myself is none of your concern. It is your cannibal friends that make us normal folk feel the need to protect ourselves.
Now you said "...one of the fine County Facilities run by the Sheriff's Dept." Did you enjoy your stays?
Look at the time.....you need to get ready for your AA meeting. Please get off the computer and call your sponsor.
The only way you will decode my comment is come try and break into my home.
Posted by AmerikanPatriot on September 3, 2009 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sounds like the pink shirts and move.off.bored better get familiar with firearms if and when we have another Revolution in this country? Maybe Osama will protect them? lol
That poor old guy would never get that finger back on considering the filth, STDs, HIV and only God knows what was in the Libtrolls mouth? yuk! lolPosted by TO_cracker on September 3, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Where's that Faux News truck?
Here's the martyr the Reich Wing has been waiting (and baiting) for!
A Liberal has finally bit back!
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Spoiled brats are bitters. Sounds like this guys parents let him do whatever he wanted when he was a little mall screamer..
Posted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
joocanu - Your obviously new to the board. Most people on here know what I do for a living. You couldn't be more off.
And if your carrying a gun in public it is my concern. Maybe we cross paths someday.....maybe not....I guess we will never know.
Yes I do enjoy my stays at the county facilities. Thank You for asking....My stays are only for 12 hours at a time though...Unlike yours will be if you keep thinking the law doesn’t apply to you
Posted by stockplacer on September 3, 2009 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
THE GUY WHO GOT HIS FINGER BITTEN OFF IS A CLOWN.
Posted by Blaine on September 3, 2009 at 2:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
<Assault definition? Are we talking tort or crime?
Dude punched the biter in the nose. Seems like assault either way>Dear cassandra
If you knew the definition, then you would know that the dude doing the punching was not the initial assaulter. But I am asking too much...<In-your-face hardly requires punching someone defensively>
so in your world it is OK to aggresively get in someones face?! In mine, and in every country that follows common law, that is called assault.Posted by snooze_worthy on September 3, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
roamn_da_earf wrote:
"snoozy.... Put the jug of Cool-aid down... The government has grown bigger and bigger in the last 9 months. I would assume you are a Dem.... And based on that I would assume you like getting free things (handouts) on the toil of other people's hard work. Government handouts have never been a good idea. My wife is a card carrying Oklahoma Cherokee Nation American Indian and can attest to the piss poor government run health care provided to her and her people."
Dearest roamn_da_earf, I AGREE. It is "piss poor government run health care". That is why they are calling for a health care REFORM. The current state of health care in this country is unacceptable. Unlike your wife, I don't receive any handouts. And no, I'm not a "Dem". However, I do currently pay an astronomical amount for medical insurance. Are you writing from the reservation now?
Btw: It's "Kool-aid" and I don't drink the stuff. Too much sugar.
Posted by calandman on September 3, 2009 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's not forget that this is only one of many extreme acts of violence employed by the Obamacare supporters.
So-called "Peace Activist" Grant Markus attacked a Doctor outside the last Thousand Oaks Democrat Health Forum. As a Doctor tried to voice his real life experience and concerns regarding the various health care proposals Markus lunged at him to silence him. Guess he is lucky Markus had a full stomach and the good Dr. didn't lose any body parts to the "moral imperative" of their cause. The Ventura County Deputies had to lead this wacko away away in handcuffs. Or maybe he returned to the scene hungry for more confrontation? After all the Mike Tyson finger chomper is still on the loose right?
Posted by skycaptain on September 3, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The real incident happened like this. A group of 100 pro healthcare types were
on one side of the street and about 25 counter protesters were on the other side
of the street . One person from the group of 100 strode across the street and
aggressively confronted the smallest and oldest member of the counter-protesters
and picked a fight physically dragging the 65 year old counter-protester into
the street. The fight ensued and then the 65 year old man came out of the
scuffle with his hand bleeding. The bully ran back to the Pro Health care group.
I heard this from an eyewitness on the news that found the finger and took it to
the hospital so they could reattach it.Posted by truther on September 3, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This how the Obama radicals do it. Straight from the Saul Ilinsky rules for radicals. Moveon and code pink both are racist radical groups and will try to bully and scare people who do not agree with Obama. This is just an example here. If the man who was opposing it didn't act in self defense, he would've probably gotten more than just his finger bitten off. And the man who bit his finger off...what a prime example of Obama supporters.
Posted by AmerikanPatriot on September 3, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
snooze_worthy- are you implying Native Americans who live on the Rez are lesser people than your Libtroll self?
Posted by SoCalRes on September 3, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Authorities did not consider the man a criminal suspect this morning and were not looking to arrest him, said the detective."
WHAT? I personally want this looney found. A broken nose can heal, a finger cannot grow back. This guy has some mental issues and the cops should be looking for him.
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
1TOguy you could be a janitor or a jailer or in charge of the motor pool.
You want to know what I carry so bad....Well I can tell you if you got in my face my fist would be the last thing you would remember.
I really could care less what you are or what you do as long as you don't invade my space like your cannibal buddy from moveon.org.
Now go grab that mop and get back to work...I am paying you to work not jack.
Posted by TO_cracker on September 3, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rice punched the guy in the mouth and the guy bit down.
That's probably how his little finger got bit off.
When you throw a right or left cross, your pinky leads.
Posted by rebel123 on September 3, 2009 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I challenge all of you to read this article: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/08/1...
It is written by a former exec with CIGNA.
As a post script: this episode redefines "finger food", doesn't it?
Posted by Hey_Scapegoat on September 3, 2009 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The article has been linked to drudgereport.com
The Star hits the jackpot.
Posted by joocanu on September 3, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well we can rule out the suspect being a vegan.
Posted by pjlove10 on September 3, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by KatieTeague on September 3, 2009 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So Joel Angeles, Audra Strickland's Chief of Staff, attacks an older man (late 60's) and has had charges filed against him. The Ventura County Star will not provide photographs citing privacy/protection concerns. Why am I looking at a photo on their website and asked to contact authorities? Let's be consistent here.
I wonder how Mr. Rice finds the healthcare system. He will have first hand knowledge of it. Human bites can be very nasty.
Posted by AmerikanPatriot on September 3, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You Libtrolls defending this Mike Tyson wannabe are basically saying a punch justifies mayhem which is a felony punishable by 2-8 years in a State prison according to California penal code! If thats the case then as long as you guys are into "one upping" then the next step is a weapon and death? Stupid Libtrolls!
Posted by 1TOguy on September 3, 2009 at 2:52 p.m.
(This thread was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by TO_cracker on September 3, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Faux News interviewed the Rice -
Here is the video. Notice how Cavuto tries to milk the story.Posted by Splendor on September 3, 2009 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Those who want the government option should know:
DON'T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOUR PROGRAM.
Geesh. Don't you know the goverment is your tax $..?
Posted by bobjohnson on September 3, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Folks be sure and watch the Fox News link. The 65 year old admits to throwing the first punch. He then says he threw a SECOND punch that landed in the "biters" mouth. Had he not assaulted the "biter" the second time he NEVER would have got his finger bitten off. What a dufus he is.
Posted by AmerikanPatriot on September 3, 2009 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Seems to me the violence is overwhelmingly coming from the Lib side? Between the Union thugs assaulting Senior Citizens and now this loser from moveoff.bored biting a Senior Citizens finger off? Your a "special" group of people alright? I won't insult the good folks in Special Ed by calling you guys that because they are far above and beyond you Libs! I hope they catch that imbecile in black and charge his stupid a** with mayhem, then he can live in a place in which his life i
03 September 2009
Moveon.org supporter bites off finger of man opposed to Obamacare - Tell me again who the nutcases are?
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