Reply #12: My father received threats like these

[PATRICK]

and of course they had a specific political purpose in a heated controversy. And of course, like decent people the first fear is really for one's family. Not being a politician of course he did not have to deal publicly with them but went about his duty accompanied by hefty determined friends. A politician has greater concerns besides protecting self and family and the representation his district voted for. The attack mushrooms into a threat against civil government and the whole society.

HOW do you go public should not be naive, showing they are getting to you? That encourages them more obviously, and worse, if they are not phony or gutless steam to begin with, every political operative and prankster will be slipping messages in such a way as make investigation of real threats impossible, other issues hamstrung.

Once again, I think as a Democrat that the DNC should offer advice, support and guidance to Reps in crisis situations. The GOP does that for much less to MAKE crises. There are a lot of dangerous responses to cowardly threats. Deer in the headlights weak knees. Strident daring. Astonished bewilderment. Giving publicity and credit to feed the beast. It is easy to play into their hands and encourage more intimidation. And look what usually gets into the media with full cooperation by the innocent good guys.

To get them back under the rock you often need criminal investigation and consequences- the rock in other words. Sparring with the criminals in the media should be handled with professional kid gloves or not at all. And you have to lead from the front or let someone else do it who can.