WASHINGTON Asked by The Southern Illinoisan about his decision not to hold an in-person town hall, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill.) described the raucous protests that have erupted at town halls across the country as out of control.

Fair enough. Agree or not, thats a reasonable response.

Then Bost elaborated, spouting off something as puzzling as it was racist.

You know the cleansing that the Orientals used to do where youd put one person out in front and 900 people yell at them? he reportedly asked the daily newspapers editorial board. Thats not what we need. We need to have meetings with people that are productive.