Death threats against Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas in the wake of her vote that helped secure passage of President Obama's health-care legislation are cowardly acts that if traced to the perpetrators should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Regardless of one's political views, this type of response is despicable.
Kosmas is right to report such threats to the Capitol police because they are criminal. Some people become so extremist that they lose sight of reality and when that happens, threats become magnified and thern something really dangerous can happen.
That is anarchy, not Democracy.
The first-term New Smyrna Beach Democrat wasted little time in condemning the attacks.
"We live in the greatest country on Earth, and one of the best aspects of our democracy is the ability to openly debate and discuss our differences on the issues," Kosmas said in a prepared statement Thursday night, released by her press spokesman, Marc Goldberg.
Kosmas added, "However, when that discussion devolves into vulgarities and threats of violence, it crosses a line. I understand that people are frustrated and I don't take the comments aimed at me personally. But I do take threats aimed at my family and staff very personally. I hope that people will pause before making threats and find a more constructive way to get their message across. Regardless, nothing will keep me from voting my conscience and doing all that I can to help the families, seniors, and small businesses that I represent."
I understand where the congresswoman is coming from. Though on a much smaller scale, I received a threatening e-mail a week ago and I reported it to the police.
My name was mentioned on the police report and I was pleased because I wanted this person to know I wasn't going to be easily intimidated, despite two e-mails. The police called this person, who was dumb enough to sign his name and the cop let him know that further contact could result in charges being filed.
Kosmas is absolutely right that she expe cts there to be differences of opinion that can be debated, but threats to her staff and family cross the line.
If you don't like what Kosmas is doing then follow blogger Palmer Wilson's advice (on the Opinion page) and vote her out of office. If you like what Kosmas is doing, vote to re-elect her. Kosmas wouldn't want it any other way.
And certainly veiled threats do nothing to change the debate, except turn people off even more.