On Tuesday, March 16th, several protesters attending a Tea Party Rally in front of Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy's district office in Columbus aggressively mocked a man whose sign said he suffers from Parkinson’s disease. The protesters screamed at the victim saying he was “in the wrong end of town for a handout,” and threw money at him while he was seated on the ground in front of them.

The debate on health care reform has been long and passionate, but we can all agree that this sort of behavior has no place in our political discourse. We respect the right of everyone to voice their opinions. But how can we ignore this type of abuse when it occurs in the public square?

We're calling on the organizations that promoted the rally - including the Columbus Tea Party, and Americans for Prosperity - and those who attended to condemn what happened.

Please sign the petition below asking for a clear and swift rebuke of this behavior.

Health Care Reform is an important issue that deserves intense discussion and debate, but mocking and ridiculing individuals who suffer from debilitating illness is totally unacceptable. The name calling, outrageous language and abusive behavior must stop. I call on the Columbus Tea Party, Americans for Prosperity and all who attended the rallies to condemn this behavior immediately.