GOP lawmakers rally protesters of health bill

Republican lawmakers took to the balcony on the Capitol's south front to rally protesters against the healthcare bill.

GOP members unveiled a "Don't Tread on Me" flag to a crowd one GOP lawmaker estimated numbered in the thousands.

The crowd, chanting, "kill the bill," was met with thumbs up and some salutes by a rotating group of Republican congressmen.

Since Saturday, some protesters have directed insensitive remarks at African-American Reps. John Lewis (D-Ga.) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) and openly gay Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) 

Republican leaders have denounced the remarks.

"Nobody condones that at all," House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said during appearance on ABC. "There were 30,000 people here in Washington yesterday. And, yes, there were some very awful things said."

(Above photo by Greg Nash)