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Editor's note: At least 10 members of Congress who voted for the healthcare reform bill have received threats of violence or harassment. Some family members of Congressional representatives have also been targeted, including one Congressman's brother who had a gas line intentionally severed at his home, police report. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has called on Republican leaders to condemn such acts, which are being investigated by the FBI.
By Emma Turner
Republican candidate, 78th Assembly District
March 25, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- As an African American woman who happens to be a moderate Republican, I am appalled at the incendiary language and violent actions which have ensued since the House of Representatives passed the healthcare bill on Sunday, March 21, 2010. I hereby strongly denounce this rhetoric and these violent acts, regardless of where they originate.
There is currently debate as to origin and even whether such acts occurred. However, as a Republican candidate for the California 78th State Assembly seat, I feel it is incumbent upon me to speak out against these acts in case members of my political party are engaged in this activity.
I truly believe that if you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem. I also believe that responsible citizens who want to preserve our union and democracy will take an opposed position to the current hate language and acts being perpetrated on Democratic representatives who voted to pass the healthcare bill.
It is not important whether you agree or disagree with the contents and/or intent of the bill because it is more important that we stand up for everyone’s rights in this country, including politicians whom we might disagree with. I believe we have the right to disagree with laws passed by the Congress and to participate in nonviolent protests. I believe we should not call these politicians, who were just doing their jobs, bad names based on ethnicity and sexual orientation, regardless of our First Amendment rights. .
One of the reasons I am running for the state Assembly is because I disagree with many of the Democratic incumbent’s (Marty Block) votes to cut education funds. My nonviolent way of protesting his voting record is to run in the 2010 election process and let the voters decide who should represent them. I strongly urge my fellow Republicans to join me in either running for office or supporting others who represent your views and abandon all unnecessary name calling and violent acts. We are not a society of sore losers, who turn to fighting when our democracy does not yield the decision we hoped it would. We should look to the ballot box for answers, not violence, cross-hairs and guns, frivolous lawsuits, nor name calling.
The opinions in this editorial reflect the views of its author and do not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. If you wish to submit an edidtorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
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