Spitting

The last week or so has brought many opportunities to reflect upon the mocking and humiliation of Jesus by Herod's guard and the Roman cohort. Their disdain for Jesus of Nazareth included spitting on him. This act of disgust and disapproval seems nearly universal among human tribes. It is one of the worst things you can do to a person.
The last week also included debate about the health bill and some citizens chose to use the "n" word in regard to my Congressman and colleague, Rev. Emanuel Cleaver, II. Rev chose to respond with Christian grace ... in effect turning the other cheek.
What concerns me is how little I have heard about this. When Rev says something that upsets people or they disagree, folks have a way of letting me know their disapproval.  Why have so few ( almost no one) expressed concern that a UMC pastor and their Representative in Congress was spat upon?
How can any citizen of this republic much less a disciple of Jesus Christ affirm such behavior?
John Wesley followed a core value/practice:  In unity, essentials; in matters of opinion, liberty; and in all things, charity/love.