I don't mind half the stuff Republicans get away with. Look how far it has gotten them. A black Democratic President, a minority in the House and almost a super minority in the Senate. Way to go!
I don't mind a vocal minority, but when that minority turns violent and criminal, enough is enough. We must not equate running for public office with running for your life. We must not let the minority intimidate the majority. That is not democracy; that is tyranny.
That is why we must use our organizational, financial and legal skills to put a stop to this. The first thing we can do is post an reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone intimidating, harassing, stalking or assaulting a public official.
Will this work? Well, it will definitely put a target on the backs of people who should be hunted down and arrested. If they want to encourage or commit this kind of violence, then they should be forced to live like a fugitive and who amongst their poor relatives is going to drop a dime on them. We can certainly collect the money to fund such an award.
Secondly, we should pass a "Freedom of Speech" law in which public officials cannot be threatened by any form of communication be it a Web posting, Fox News program or street sign.
Lastly, we should run some of these people's names through the system. People who turn violent usually leave a trail of outstanding warrants. If you are violent and want to be noticed, you will have your way.
Let's act soon before politicians start winding up dead like doctors who provide legal abortions.