Tucson rampage casts light on toxic political tone

[babylonsister]

Tucson rampage casts light on toxic political tone
By CHARLES BABINGTON, Associated Press

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Whatever the motive, the toxic tone of the national debate is certain to draw greater scrutiny.

"We do know that politics has become too personal, too nasty and perhaps too dangerous," said Jonathan Cowan, president of the centrist Democratic group Third Way. "Perhaps out of this senseless act some sense can return to our public discourse."

In the aftermath of the rampage, the House's newly installed Republican leaders postponed Wednesday's scheduled vote to repeal the new health care law, the issue at the center of the harshest criticisms of Giffords and many other Democrats for the past two years. Lawmakers from both parties were deeply shaken.

Many lawmakers, especially Democrats, felt the 2009-2010 debate over health care sometimes got out of hand. It began with emotional town hall meetings in the summer of 2009, when some critics warned of government "death panels."

Giffords, 40, was among lawmakers who reported 42 threats or acts or vandalism in the first three months of 2010, a big increase over the previous year, law enforcement officers said. Nearly all the threats dealt with the massive health care bill that Giffords and other Democrats enacted over fierce Republican opposition.

In March, someone kicked in or shot out a glass door and side window at Giffords' office in Tucson, a few hours after the House passed the health care measure with her help.

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http://www.salon.com/wires/us/2011/01/08/D9KKI2NG2_us_politics_threats_analysis/index.html