Caught on Tape: Congressman Ciro Rodriguez loses temper during meeting

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(Image from YouTube Video)

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Published: 7/13/2010 1:57 pm

Updated: 7/13/2010 6:05 pm

SAN ANTONIO -- A video showing Congressman Ciro Rodriguez lose his temper during a recent meeting with some of his constituents is one of the latest 'red hot' video on YouTube.

CLICK BELOW to watch the video.

The video begins with Rodriguez discussing the new health care bill. Rodriguez fires back at a woman after she appears to accuse him of not telling the truth about the costs of the plan. Rodriguez angrily tells the woman, "Ma'am, don't accuse me of not saying the truth," as he steps towards her. After another woman nearby said, "Excuse me, but that's not appropriate," Rodriguez appears to become even more angry. He slaps a table with some papers he is holding and barks back "It's not appropriate to also determine ego. You know...I'm not going to take any ego. Okay? If you want a (dialog?) in a civil matter, but don't say that I'm not saying the truth."

The video cuts off at that point. The 'editing' of the video and the fact that someone was capturing video prior to the incident has sparked debate that someone at the meeting might have intended to provoke Rodriguez.

Rodriguez did issue a statement in which he apologized for his actions during meeting.

STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

Washington, DC -- Congressman Ciro D. Rodriguez (TX-23) issued the following statement in response to a video circulating on YouTube regarding cynical tactics by political operatives at a recent "Congress on Your Corner" event:

As the Representative for the 23rd Congressional District, I believe it's critical to be available and accessible to the people of southwest Texas. That's why I've held 181 public events over the past year and a half. With that comes a healthy debate about issues people care passionately about.

Unfortunately political operatives associated with my opponent's campaign tried to turn it into something else -- attempting to hijack a "congress on your corner" event merely to engage in uncivil, cynical videotape baiting tactics. The people of Southwest Texas deserve better than that.

That said, I apologize for losing my temper at an event that should always be a civil and respectful exchange of ideas. I look forward to continuing to listen to folks all across southwest Texas, as we work together to create jobs and get this economy back on track.

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of News 4 WOAI (WOAI.com)

peaches - 11/2/2010 7:43 AM

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I wasn't I wasn't aware Mexicans were running for office in the U.S. I am aware that Americans of Hispanic descent are. Just like Americans of German, French, Polish, Asians, etc.etc are.

AgingBarbie - 7/14/2010 5:18 PM

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He slapped some papers on a table in a subconcious attempt to threaten and intimidate a woman. He was disrespectful and threatening in his demeanor and the behavior was inappropriate whether he was goaded or not. I have seen him behave in an arrogant, dismissive manner towards women before and he needs to be called out on it. Very unacceptable in this day and age.

FireCiro - 7/14/2010 12:51 PM

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Limdull; you are missing the real point. He LIED and was caught lying. He knew the numbers he was throwing out there had been revised and did not hold true.

Limdull - 7/14/2010 12:19 PM

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this is boring and hardly news worthy. i don't support this man at all, but what he did is nothing bad at all. he didn't grab anyone or even cuss, he just slapped some papers on a table while talking. if that is considered wrong, we have grown far too critical.

Dr of Style - 7/14/2010 11:55 AM

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Ciro, "saying the truth" its supposed to be "telling the truth" Baboso! This is America enunciate correctly please. By the way curb your Margarita intake next time.

machacado - 7/14/2010 11:11 AM

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pdunk, it means EVERYTHING that seat stay hispanic. Why else would a Laredo Attorney handily defeat a caucasian, former CIA operative at that too. Turned him into a girl scout trying to go up against a Mexican. Canseco is a pied piper leading white folk to vote.

pdunk - 7/14/2010 11:07 AM

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most San Antonians have nice cars since they have no house or rent payment and live with their parents. or if they do have a home/rent payment its like $200 with an $800 car payment. gotta love those depriciating assets!

machacado - 7/14/2010 10:52 AM

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raisethebar, LMAO! point made. run chicken RUN! I like limbaugh and happen to drive a benz too. But as a Mexican American I don't have to fear for my life and run to the radon hills like a little bizatch every day. but then again with all the foreclosures in 78258 i might just pick up a casa in your neighborhood at auction. they're getting cheaper every day and half are so over-extended they can't even make their HOA obligations. and don't think for a minute limbaugh is on ur side exclusively. he likes fast women (sex tourist), little blue pills and understands America is losing the population race. he knows there's many fiscal conservatives who happen to be hispanic and is careful not to alienate them this close to the election. enjoy the traffic chicken-man.

pdunk - 7/14/2010 10:26 AM

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it doesnt really matter if the guy who replaces Zero is a mexican or not Machacado. or am i missing something???

raisethebar1 - 7/14/2010 10:19 AM

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note to machacado...i have no problem sitting in traffic in my Benz, listening to Rush Limbaugh going to my MacMansion in the lovely hill country. All the while working to build nice office buildings and shopping centers north of 1604 so we can live and work in 78258 and spend all our money over there, too. Far away from those tourist and other elements downtown, etc. Now.. only if I could find an Asian yardman..living the dream

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