The Year of Yelling

After a long hunt by the press, Congressman Randy Neugebauer, a Texas Republican, finally stepped forward to admit that he was the one who yelled "baby killer" as his colleague, Congressman Bart Stupak, a Michigan Democrat, gave a speech to the House of Representatives last night. Neugebauer this afternoon issued a lengthy sort-of apology:  "Last night was the climax of weeks and months of debate on a health care bill that my constituents fear and do not support. In the heat and emotion of the debate, I exclaimed the phrase 'it's a baby killer' in reference to the agreement reached by the Democratic leadership. While I remain heartbroken over the passage of this bill and the tragic consequences it will have for the unborn, I deeply regret that my actions were mistakenly interpreted as a direct reference to Congressman Stupak himself. I have apologized to Mr. Stupak and also apologize to my colleagues for the manner in which I expressed my disappointment about the bill. The House Chamber is a place of decorum and respect. The timing and tone of my comment last night was inappropriate."