Because the Republican trend of reporter-bashing, body-slamming and shaming of the free press is all the rage these days, Texas Governor Greg Abbott must’ve felt like he need to get in the game. In the same week a candidate (now a congressman) physically assaulted a reporter for asking about the Republican health care plan, Gov. Abbott thought he’d have a little fun at the gun range:
He added:
See? Because, ha ha! Joking about shooting reporters is so, so hilarious! Even Dan Eggen of the Washington Post agrees!
It’s obvious Gov. Abbott made a dumbass joke. But in today’s environment, where we have a president who takes every opportunity available to bash the free press, whipping rally crowds against them, a soon-to-be U.S. congressman violently assaulting a reporter, Gov. Abbott should’ve known better. He should offer an apology to the reporters in the room and steer clear of such “jokes” in the future.
In fact, it’s time for the entire Republican party to sit down and read the First Amendment. I know they are in a rush to skip over it and get to the Second Amendment, but it’s time for a refresh on the other amendments. Bullying, threatening and even outright assaulting members of the free press goes against the very foundation of this country and the Constitution they swore an oath to uphold.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
And hell, you never know—they might accidentally stumble across the 25th Amendment and get inspired!