When ABC News issued a report Friday suggesting that the horrific shooting at a Colorado movie theater was perpetrated by a suspect with ties to the movement, the situation had a familiar feel to it, tea party leaders say.
Just as in January 2011, when the Tucson shooting
of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords sparked speculation that the perpetrator was
either affiliated with the tea party or influenced by its
anti-government rhetoric, members were again wrongly fingered as
possible culprits and forced to defend themselves against the assumption
that there might be a link.
This time, tea party leaders responded angrily — and with a sense of deep frustration over the latest erroneous connection drawn between their political beliefs and gun violence.
As they see it, it’s the latest attempt to demonize the grass-roots activists, carried out by a hostile media that’s all-too-willing to believe the worst about them.
“It truly is not only ridiculous, but it’s irresponsible,” said Lu Ann Busse, a former tea party leader who is now running for a seat in the Colorado House. “Why would you even say that without the information? People need to not start making accusations, making speculation, that’s just designed to inflame people.” (Continues)
No comments:
Post a Comment