One of the most bi-partisan activities on Capitol Hill is the Congressional Softball League.

[ehrnst]

Full of good humor and spirit, staffers of Senators, Congresspeople, and non-profit and lobbying organizations form teams and play during the Summer. I worked on the Hill for a progressive org from 2001-2004, who had a team.

Once when we beat Rick Santorum's office team, The Phillybusters, the next day, the team 'reporter' emailed everybody to "expect another subpoena because we stomped them." It got a laugh in Santorum's office as well. John McCain's team is called The McCainiacs - and he would sometimes come to the games.

Today's shooting at an early morning practice of Rep. Steve Scalise's team did more damage than many people probably could imagine. It harms one of the few remaining things that truly brought the people on the Hill together.

[Demsrule86]

1. It truly is an awful thing.

[MichMary]

2. I wonder if this event will still go on

Sounds like it was a great time for all. How sad that there will now be a cloud over it.

[wishstar]

3. Also it will make politicians want more isolation from public, fewer town halls etc nt

[katmondoo]

4. What would the reaction be if it were Democrats practicing and they were shot?

[atreides1]

5. We can guess

That many Republican voters wouldn't be as sympathetic as us!

[ehrnst]

6. Scalise is white, so DT apparently felt this shooting was worth decrying.

Not to mention Republican, but white first and foremost.

[alarimer]

7. Why are they playing when they should be taking away people's health care?

They play all buddy-buddy, then vote to destroy lives.

[OnDoutside]

8. The current alternative is they go directly from home to take away people's health care. At least

this way there is SOME communication between Rep and Dem.