A Brief History of Right-Wing Threats

In light of the GOP's recent behavior, let's not forget the history of the conservative movement's willingness to threaten people. The DeLay threats and the White House dissent suppression are only the latest in a long line of intimidating outbursts.

For instance, Sen. Jesse Helms (R-NC) essentially threatened the President of the United States in 1994 when he said, "Mr. Clinton better watch out if he comes down here. He'd better have a bodyguard."

And the Associated Press reported on 4/25/95 how that comment was commonplace on the right. "A senator says the president had better not visit his state without a bodyguard," the newsservice wrote. "An anti-abortion leader describes shooting abortion doctors as 'justifiable homicide.' A radio talk-show host advises listeners to shoot at the head if attacked by federal agents wearing bulletproof vests." It's all part of the conservative movement's belief that physically threatening and intimidating its political opposition is OK. I'd wager to guess most Americans disagree.