Democrat called GOP, Boehner on hate speech in March of 2010

[JohnWxy]

People acting surprised AT the attempt on a Democrat's life is disingenuous. There are those who predicted it:


Driehaus confronted Boehner about the interview on the floor of the House. "I told him it was inexcusable," Driehaus said. "It doesn't really matter the way you meant it, nor the way I accept it. It's how the least sane person in my district accepts it."

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/amid-death-threats-dem-rep-dreihaus-points-the-finger-at-gop-leadership.php?ref=fpb

Amid Death Threats, Dem Rep Driehaus Points The Finger At GOP Leadership


In the wake of the passage of the health care bill, Democratic members of Congress are receiving death threats and implicit threats against their families. One of those members--pro-life Rep. Steve Driehaus (D-OH) who voted for final passage--has had to deal with more than his fair share. Last week, the anti-reform advocacy group the Committee to Rethink Reform published an ad in The Cincinnati Enquirer featuring a photo of Dreihaus with his children. (Both the Committee and the Enquirer have retracted and apologized for the ad.) Now, conservatives are planning a Sunday protest outside of his house, after a conservative blog put his address--complete with directions--on the Internet.

Speaking to me and another reporter outside the House chamber this afternoon, Driehaus said Republican leaders are to blame for the vitriol--and implied that they will bear some responsibility if reform opponents' anger bubbles over into violence.

"I think if you look at some of the language that has been used by leaders on the Republican side, one shouldn't be surprised," Driehaus said. "Unfortunately many of us are now receiving threats, death threats."

There has been some violence bubbling up already. We reported yesterday that vandals had smashed doors and windows at five Democratic offices around the country in the days surrounding the landmark House health care vote Sunday night.

"These comments that have been made by Republican leaders can serve as--I don't know if I want to say an excuse or perhaps permission for people who may be unbalanced, who may be calling with these threats," Driehaus added.
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thanks goes to Enrique for original post: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8007992

[pnorman]

1. "...It's how the least sane person in my district accepts it."

n/t

[pacalo]

2. The death threats are also an effect brought on by Bush's "my way or the highway" attitude.

Only they don't have the presidential power to assure they get what they want, so guns are their authoritarian resort.