Lawmakers' actions shamed the state

Every voter in the districts represented by state Reps. Harry Accornero of Laconia and Susan DeLemus of Rochester should watch a video posted on YouTube.com of their legislators in action and ask themselves: Is this who we want representing us?

It wouldn't hurt for the constituents of Reps. Al Baldassaro of Londonderry, William Tobin of Sanbornton, Moe Villeneuve of Bedford, Laurie Pettengill of Glen, Larry Rappaport of Colebrook and Lucien and Carol Vita of Middleton to tune in as well.

All nine state representatives question President Obama's citizenship and believe that the birth certificate he posted to prove that he was born in Hawaii is fraudulent. Holding such beliefs, strange as they are, doesn't make someone unfit for public office. But bad behavior while in office does.

The scene was a hearing of the state Ballot Law Commission that considered an objection filed by Orly Taitz, a California lawyer who wants Obama's name stricken from the ballot because she contends that his birth certificate and Social Security number are fraudulent. The nine state representatives signed onto Taitz's complaint.

Assistant Attorney General Matt Mavrogeorge argued on behalf of Secretary of State Bill Gardner in favor of keeping Obama's name on the ballot.

As soon as he finished, DeLemus began loudly haranguing him. The crowd, state representatives included, became so hostile that Mavrogeorge and Assistant Secretary of State Karen Ladd felt forced to take refuge in an office while members of what had become a mob banged on the door.

Later, when the ballot commission unanimously denied Taitz's request, pandemonium ensued. Shouts of "treason" could be heard. Accornero rose from his seat and began shouting, "Why don't you rip up the Constitution and throw it out. You all should be accused of treason, and we'll get people to do that too." He went on to call Obama a treasonous liar and warned Mavrogeorge that he'd "better wear a mask" when he came to Laconia.

The video is being aired nationally, and the unruly representatives have brought shame on the institution they serve and the state of New Hampshire. They deserve the censure of their colleagues. They also deserve to be replaced by voters.