Republicans are facing tough crowds these last few weeks. Following one of the most divisive and bitter political campaigns in history, Democrats (now decidedly out of power) are doing everything they can to rile up their base in opposition to Emmanuel Goldstien Donald Trump, in the hopes of gaining some political points with their base for the next election cycle.
Part of that strategy has involved organizing vocal and vitriolic welcomes for elected officials at their local town hall meetings in their districts. After seeing news reports of the vocal pushback some of his colleagues are experiencing, one Texas congressman has decided to skip those meetings over fears of a Gabby Giffords-style attack.
From CNN:
“Unfortunately, at this time there are groups from the more violent strains of the leftist ideology, some even being paid, who are preying on public town halls to wreak havoc and threaten public safety. Threats are nothing new to me and I have gotten my share as a felony judge,” Rep. Louie Gohmert told constituents in a letter Tuesday.
“However, the House Sergeant at Arms advised us after former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was shot at a public appearance, that civilian attendees at congressional public events stand the most chance of being harmed or killed — just as happened there,” he wrote.
In case you’ve been off-planet, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was shot in 2011 during a town hall-style event. Despite suffering a gunshot wound to the head during the assassination attempt, Congresswoman Giffords survived. Giffords and her husband have since campaigned for increased gun control.
The post-election political climate has only deteriorated, and Democrats aren’t helping. They’re attempting to obstruct Republicans at almost every turn, demonizing any pol with an R after their name as racists and bigots. They continue to push the narrative that Republicans are destroying everything that makes America great. Again.
After stoking the flames of fear and hatred, I can understand where Representative Gohmert is coming from But the optics here aren’t great. Avoiding his constituents — those who both support and oppose his positions — makes him look weak. Gohmert could take a lesson from his Senator Tom Cotton on how to handle these situations.
Despite all the sturm und drang, we’re still at the ballot box stage of the four boxes of liberty. Some people might skip ahead a bit if pushed, which is an unfortunate. But avoiding dissenters won’t win Rep. Gohmert may friends on either side of the aisle.