Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.): Tea Party Must Look At Their Own Behavior (& Palin Should Shut Up)

[Turborama]

Source: Huffington Post

Ryan Grim

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.), who represents a district adjacent to Gabrielle Giffords's, said that Saturday's shooting is a consequence of the vitriolic rhetoric that has arisen over the past few years among extreme elements of the Tea Party.

"The climate has gotten so toxic in our political discourse, setting up for this kind of reaction for too long. It's unfortunate to say that. I hate to say that," Grijalva said in an interview with The Huffington Post. "If you're an opponent, you're a deadly enemy," Grijalva said of the mindset among Arizona extremists. "Anybody who contributed to feeding this monster had better step back and realize they're threatening our form of government."

Grijalva said that Tea Party leader Sarah Palin should reflect on the rhetoric that she has employed. "She -- as I mentioned, people contributing to this toxic climate -- Ms. Palin needs to look at her own behavior, and if she wants to help the public discourse, the best thing she could do is to keep quiet."

Grijalva said that his family has been provided with protection and that he expects further precautions will be taken by Capitol Police when he returns to Capitol Hill.

"Her whole future's ahead of her," Grijalva said of Giffords. "She's a moderate; I'm not. She's my friend. Our difference of opinion did not interfere with our friendship."

"This is a very sad day for the nation."

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/08/grijalva-palin-needs-to-l_n_806283.html

[sabrina 1]

1. He's one of the really good guys. And to be honest, even before

this tragedy, I was worried about him. I know he has been threatened because of his stand on immigration and on the HC bill. I was afraid he might not be reelected as he is very outspoken, despite the threats he has received.

I couldn't agree more with him, that the best thing Sarah Palin could do is to just go away, to STFU. The only reason she talks is for the money. She is of no value to this country, on the contrary, she does so much harm that is some other country would take her, which I doubt, we would all be better off.

[oldhippydude]

3. yep

he was one of those that Keith O. got busted for, when he keith made campaign contributions last fall

[sabrina 1]

4. True, and Rep,. Giffords was also among the three Keith

donated to. Both were in very tight races in AZ. I'm glad they won but both have been fiercely attacked by the right and at this point, he should be given protection, if he doesn't have it already. I was worried about him for quite a while.

[bertman]

2. He's right, but she won't. This will give her another role as 'victim'. Rec. nt

[classysassy]

5. The time has come

for all the hate speech to cease,turn off and tune out Fox and Rush,the two top hatemongers in the country.