RELEASE: "Republicans Created This Monster. It's Their Responsibility To Tame It."

For Immediate Release
March 25, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Media Matters President Eric Burns released the following statement reacting to comments by House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) on recent threats toward Democratic lawmakers:

Rep. Cantor's insistence today that no Republican in Congress has incited threats or violence is laughable.  Over the past year, the Republican establishment has actively instilled fear, anger and hate in the minds of the conservative fringe.

Convincing their base that the health care reform would lead to 'Armageddon,' conservative leaders in Congress, talk radio, and on Fox News have deliberately whipped conservative extremists into a frenzy.  Republicans organized their rallies, printed their signs, and joyfully mingled with the angry crowds. 

Try as they might, there is no distancing themselves from or blaming Democrats for the activists now turning to violence. Republicans created this monster. It's their responsibility to tame it.

Background:

Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) said there is "no difference" between House Republicans and the Tea Party activists.

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN): "I want people in Minnesota armed and dangerous on this issue of the energy tax because we need to fight back.  Thomas Jefferson told us, having a revolution every now and then is a good thing, and the people - we the people, are going to have to fight back hard if we're not going to lose our country."

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN): "And are they going to listen? Oh yeah, oh yeah, they're going to listen. It was Thomas Jefferson who said a revolution every now and then is a good thing. What do you think?"

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN): "The number one thing people can do is come, see their member of Congress, look at them in the eyes, especially with other freedom fighters in tow, and let them know that the lessons of August, they should not forget, at their peril."

Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS): "We hunt liberal, tree-hugging Democrats, although it does seem like a waste of good ammunition."

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK): "We're almost reaching a revolution in this country."

The Republican National Committee created an offensive web ad featuring Speaker Pelosi looking down the barrel of a gun.  As the viewers hear a gunshot, blood drips down the screen.

The Republican National Committee paid for Tea Party signs. 

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN): organized the Tea Party health care "House Call" rally on the National Mall.

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