In light of the recent news revolving around Rep. Tom Periello (D-Virginia) and the attack on his brother's home, common sense dictates that measures should be taken to minimize the chance of reoccurrence. That Perriello is on the Tea Party's list of "targets" illustrates that common sense does not reach everyone or every group in our society.
According to CNN, Tea Party Express released a list of "heroes" and "targets" last week on the same day they made their anti-tax presence felt in Washington, D.C. The timing of endorsements was perfect: Since its conception a little over a year ago, the Tea Party has been centered on lowering taxes, so choosing April 15 to announce endorsements was a smart move. The problem lies with the other half of the list - the "targets."
In all fairness, the term "target" is strictly political according to the Tea Party, as most of those targeted are incumbent Democrats in swing states. Simply choosing a different label, however, would help both the cause of the Tea Party and the safety our elected leaders. As is, "targets" is ambiguous and many may misinterpret its true meaning. The Tea Party should have been more deliberate in choosing an appropriate word for candidates that they do not endorse.
Examples of such words are numerous. "Heroes and Villains," "Heroes and Jesters," etc. are all playful and attention-grabbing with relatively little controversy surrounding them. Why did Tea Party leaders not think of "Heroes and Zeros?" This is certainly catchy enough and does not have any violent connotations to it.
A political organization that promotes limited government should be careful how they go about promoting this idea. Governments should not be limited by physically harming officials but rather by reducing their political power. One of the Tea Party leaders, Nigel Coleman, has already implied that there is a tolerance for political violence. Coleman posted the address to what he thought was Rep. Perriello's house, and when informed that it was actually the congressman's brother's house, he replied, "Oh well, collateral damage." When this led to a severed gas line at the residence, the reaction was outrage from left and right. But few were shocked. Down the road, if we look back on the list that the Tea Party calls "targets," are we going to be surprised if a similar incident happens?\nThe saddest aspect of this list is the inclusion of Perriello. He and his family may have to relive the gas line incident because of the possibility that some unstable person - maybe even the same person that severed the gas line - will interpret "target" differently than its intended meaning. Although people like this will always exist, the Tea Party did not need to fuel the fire and give them an excuse for dangerous actions.
Ultimately, the Tea Party has the right to free speech. Nevertheless, it would not hurt its cause if members were keener to current events and possible future events in exercising this right.
The Tea Party did one thing right on Tax Day: Members protested in Washington and showed their discontent with government spending in a civil, legal manner. But they struck out with their list of "targets," even though the intent may have been harmless.
Tom Perriello responded to the gas line incident with the following: "It is never okay to harm or threaten elected officials and their families with anything more than political retribution. Here in America, we settle our political differences at the ballot box." When the Tea Party is out promoting its candidates, it should be more careful to emphasize the ballot box and downplay political retribution.
Hung Vu's column appears Tuesdays. He can be reached at h.vu@cavalierdaily.com.
Read More
PARTING SHOT: Risk and reward
By Charlie Healy | 12 hours agoThe college newspaper was nowhere on my radar, and I had no previous experience with journalism.
PARTING SHOT: You are your own limit
By Wardah Kamran | 17 hours agoMe, my staffers, we were there. And it happened. And I think that is important enough.
PARTING SHOT: When it comes to art, it pays to pay attention
By Delaney Hammond | 2 days agoEven among people who value the arts, carving out space for critical engagement with — rather than just passive consumption of — art has been an endeavor I have treasured.
