House Republicans Again Equate Politics To Violence
This is getting out of control. As thousands of people are running for their lives in Iran, Republicans in the House continue to compare their own political situation to the violent protests in the streets of Iran.
As Media Matters Action Network previously noted, Reps. Hoekstra and Culberson thought it appropriate to take to Twitter - one of the tools used by protesters in Iran - to compare their petty political problems to the unrest in Iran.
Rep. Hoekstra Tweeted:
petehoekstra Iranian twitter activity similar to what we did in House last year when Republicans were shut down in the House. 11:56 AM Jun 17th from TwitterBerry
Rep. Culberson Tweeted:
johnculberson Good to see Iranian people move mountains w social media, shining sunlight on their repressive govt - Texans support their bid for freedom 11:34 AM Jun 17th from web
johnculberson Oppressed minorities includeHouseRepubs: We are using social media to expose repression such as last night's D clampdown shutting off amends 11:29 AM Jun 17th from web
And now House Minority Leader John Boehner has compared his experience in Congress this year to being gunned down.
Rep. Boehner: "Being in Congress this year is like standing in front of a machine gun." [Boehner Press Conference, 6/23/2009]
Just last week, Sky News reported: "Video images have since been released of a man, believed to be a member of a pro-government militia, firing a machine gun from the window of a compound as crowds surround the building."
Now, maybe Rep. Boehner simply used the insensitive analogy without thinking. But it is disgusting for House Leadership to continue in the vein of Reps. Hoekstra and Culberson by comparing their passing political struggles with any sort of violence. Especially when they draw a direct correlation to the plight of those who are fighting for the right for their votes to be counted honestly - and who are dying for it.
