Healthcare opponents resort to threatening U.S. Representatives who voted for law

Numerous reports have surfaced that U.S. Representatives and their families have been the victims of threats since the passage of health care legislation.  I report from CNN.com expounds on the threats as well as a press conference held by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Majority Whip James Clyburn:

• House Democrats are concerned about their security due to increased threats since Sunday’s vote to pass the health care bill, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Wednesday.

• Hoyer told a news conference that “a significant number, meaning over 10,” had reported either threats, vandalism or other incidents. Capitol Police officials have briefed House Democrats on reporting suspicious or threatening activity and taking precautions to avoid “subjecting themselves or their families to physical harm,” said Hoyer, D-Maryland.

• Earlier Wednesday, the Albemarle County Fire Marshal’s Office in Virginia confirmed the FBI was investigating a suspicious incident at the home of Virginia Democratic Rep. Tom Perriello’s brother, days after the brother’s home address was posted online by a Tea Party activist.

• Democracy “is not about violence,” Hoyer said at the news conference joined by House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina. “It is about making sure everybody in America feels free to express their opinion and to take such actions as they deem to be necessary without subjecting themselves, their families or others to behavior, and frankly criminal behavior in some respect, that undermines democracy and undermines the safety of individuals.”

I was first alerted to the threats after reading the following Tweet from Texas Railroad Commissioner:

Repeal Obamacare. Enjoin it in the courts. Win back majorities in the Houe and Senate. But do not threaten oppo members & their families.

Surprising….no.

Unfortunate…yes.

Serious….of course.

Hopefully more elected Republicans will speak out against the threats as Commissioner Williams has.  It ain’t right.