This has gone too far. I am livid as a write this. The Republican Congress has used the most incendiary rhetoric imaginable leading up to and after the health care vote. They have called members of Congress "Dead Men" for their vote, they have encouraged violence, they have threatened armageddon. Now, their language is causing terror.
Many of you know that Congressman Tom Perriello (VA-05) has been threatened by some idiot teabaggers. Briefly
Law enforcement authorities are investigating the discovery of a cut propane gas line at the Virginia home of Rep. Thomas Perriello’s (D-Va.) brother, whose address was targeted by tea party activists angry at the congressman’s vote for the health care bill.
An aide to the congressman confirmed to POLITICO that a line to a propane tank behind his brother's home near Charlottesville had been sliced.
Fortunately, the citizens of Perriello's district have written called and vocalized their support. Even Virginia's Republican leadership has denounced it. Even Ken Cuccinelli who is suing over health care. Many of Perriello's opponents have denounced the acts of terror (except front-runner Robert Hurt interestingly).
Unfortunately, The National Republicans can't see terror they inspire. NRCC spokesman Andy Sere, who has gay-baited, lied, and criticized members of congress for mourning their parents death, blames Perriello.
While his organization doesn't condone such behavior, National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Andy Sere said Perriello is not the victim.
"Central and Southside Virginians are the ones who are going to have the bear the burden of increased taxes," he said. "What you're seeing is a frustration among his constituents who believe he's not listening to them."
See, it's Perriello's fault that his brother smelled gas leaking into his house. It's Perriello's fault that his family and young nieces and nephews are viewed as "collateral damage." Sere is disgusting.
His further comments also show him to be delusional.
Deplorable as it is, we're not going to allow Tom Perriello to use one isolated incident as a cynical ploy to distract Virginians from the higher taxes and Medicare cuts he just imposed on them. Thousands of Rep. Perriello's constituents have legitimately expressed their frustration with him via letters, rallies and town hall meetings, and we will always support their right to do so.
A cynical ploy? Perriello's brother's gas line getting cut is a cynical ploy by Perriello??? Ten members of Congress getting threatened is a cynical ploy? Bricks being thrown through windows and protests on member's lawns is a cynical ploy?
The NRCC has to stop this. They must fire Andy Sere. They must. He is the lowest form of political operative: the kind willing to cause tragedy for his political gain.
Tom Perriello has continued to show class in this time of great strain on him and his family.
I don't know how to get the NRCC to fire Sere. The only thing I can think of is sending support to Perriello to make their job harder. I'm giving here.
I'm done hoping Republicans will police themselves.