GOP inciting and supporting hate

from colorofchange.org

Just over a week ago, Tea Party protestors hurled racial and homophobic slurs and spat at members of Congress.¹  That was followed by a rash of vandalism and death threats targeting Democratic members of Congress.²

Republicans have done almost nothing to tamp down this dangerous atmosphere and have even egged the protesters on. And when the Republican National Committee was asked to endorse a bi-partisan “civility” statement that would send a message to the protesters, they refused.³

It's time to demand that Republican leaders stop turning a blind eye to violence and hate before it gets out of control and someone gets hurt.  Please click below to add your voice, and please ask your friends and family to do the same:

http://act.colorofchange.org/go/126?id=2189-851580&akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=4

Since the passage of health care reform last week, at least 10 members of Congress have received threats and requested additional police presence.⁴  Windows and doors were smashed at several representatives' offices, and a gas line was cut at what vandals thought was the house of Congressman Tom Perriello.⁵  One office had to be evacuated when it received a threatening letter filled with an unidentified white powder.⁶

Meanwhile, some Republicans have tried to justify the vandalism or blame Democrats for inviting it on themselves,^7,8 and others have escalated their use of violent rhetoric. Sarah Palin told her supporters "Don't Retreat, Instead - RELOAD!", and published a map with cross-hairs over the districts of some Democrats who voted for health care reform.⁹  RNC Chairman Michael Steele said  "let's start getting Nancy [Pelosi] ready for the firing line this November."¹⁰

Last Saturday's protest and this week's past events are just the most recent example of the intolerance and hate coming from right-wing extremists this past year. At times it's been instigated by Republican leaders. When not, it's usually condoned and seen as part of a strategy to score politically. Either way, it's completely unacceptable and has to stop. 

References

1. "Tea Party Protests: 'Ni**er,' 'Fa**ot' Shouted At Members Of Congress," Huffington Post, 3-20-2010
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/157?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=8

2.  "MAP: A Guide To Recent Vandal Attacks On Democrats," TPM Muckraker, 03-24-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/150?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=10

3.  "RNC rejects joint 'civility' statement," Politico, 03-26-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/151?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=12

4.  "Democrats who voted for health care reform get police protection as threats turn ugly," NY Daily News, 03-24-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/152?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=14

5.  See reference 2.

6. "Anthony Weiner's Office Receives Threatening Letter Containing White Powder," CBS News, 03-25-09
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/153?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=16

7.  "Newt Gingrich: Democrats bear some responsibility for threats, anger over health care," Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 03-25-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/154?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=18

8.  "Cantor: It's The Democrats Who Are Fanning The Flames of Violence (VIDEO)," TPM DC, 03-25-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/155?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=20

9. See reference 2.

10. "Steele: Let's Get Pelosi Ready For 'The Firing Line' In November (VIDEO)," TPM LiveWire, 03-24-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/156?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=22

11. "10 Most Offensive Tea Party Signs And Extensive Photo Coverage From Tax Day Protests," Huffington Post, 4-16-09
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/158?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=24

12. See Reference 11.

13. "Tax Day Tea Parties Officially Endorsed By Republican Party," Huffington Post, 5-15-2009
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/130?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=26

14. "Steele: I'd join the tea parties," Politico, 1-15-10
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/136?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=28

15. "GOP govs plan Tea Party sequel," Politico, 5-12-2009
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/131?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=30

16. "Rep. David Scott's (D-Ga) office spray-painted with Swastika," Daily Kos, 8-11-2009
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/159?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=32

17. "Armed and Dangerous?" Talking Points Memo, 8-11-2009
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/160?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=34

18. "Tea party leader calls Obama a welfare thug," The Loop, 9-15-09
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/161?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=36

19. "Memo Reveals GOP Plan to Exploit Fear of Obama," AOL News, 3-4-2010
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/162?akid=1411.190723.txgAUS&t=38