GOP Consultant Suggests Media Matters Employees Should Be "Curbstomped"

Americans are fortunate to live in a nation where our political battles are fought with opposition research and snarky press releases rather than violence and intimidation.  Not since the days of Aaron Burr or Preston Brooks has the political establishment relied on physical violence, real or threatened, to settle disagreements.  To love America is to embrace the American way. Those who truly grasp American values sincerely believe the only way to pursue success in politics is through speaking, organizing, and voting.  Never through violence.

Throughout our history, though, fringe elements within our society have strayed from these fundamentals.  Some called for violence through inflammatory speeches or publications, while others assaulted or killed those with whom they disagreed.

In today's turbulent political climate, however, threats of violence are no longer confined to fringe figures like Timothy McVeigh or Ted Kaczynski, who were far-removed from the political establishment.  In fact, violent rhetoric is quickly becoming the norm among conservative Republicans who seek and/or hold public office.

• Sharron Angle, the Republican candidate for Senate in Nevada, said "if this Congress keeps going the way it is, people are really looking toward those Second Amendment remedies."
• Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS) said, "We hunt liberal, tree-hugging Democrats, although it's a waste of good ammunition."
• During a GOP event at a gun range, South Florida Republican Robert Lowry fired at a target with the initials of his opponent, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, written on it. 
• Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) joked about Democratic members who "almost got lynched" at town hall meetings.   
• Rep. Michele Bachmann said she wanted the American people "armed and dangerous" to fight cap-and-trade legislation. 

And after PoliticalCorrection.org posted a fact check debunking a new ad attacking Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), the high profile Republican consultant who produced the ad suggested Media Matters employees should be "curbstomped fortnightly." ("Curbstomping" is a vicious way to kill a person by literally stomping on the back of their head while they lay in a street with their open mouth biting the curb.)



"The" Rick Wilson owns a Florida-based political consulting firm named Intrepid Media.  He was the mastermind of the incredibly offensive 2002 attack ad questioning Sen. Max Cleland's patriotism by tying him to Osama bin Laden.  The ad was universally criticized for crossing the line, as Cleland lost three limbs fighting for his country in Vietnam and his dedication to his country is beyond reproach.

In light of Wilson's curbstomping comment, Intrepid Media clients like the Republican Party of Florida, the National Republican Trust PAC, and Americans for New Leadership should immediately stop funding his hateful enterprise.  By continuing to do business with Rick Wilson, the organizations are offering tacit support of his violent rhetoric.

Intrepid Media's clients have an opportunity to stand up for what's right.  For if the United States is to maintain its national character, threatening political opponents with violence cannot be tolerated. 

Update: In response to our post, Rick Wilson complained that he had not been contacted for a "clarification" of his original tweet suggesting that Media Matters employees should be "curbstomped." Given the chance to comment, Wilson replied: