Skeptic Project

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) sees positive signs that the shooting spree in Arizona has eased tensions between the political parties. But she says it's mighty peculiar that some folks get so annoyed at the general suggestion that political rhetoric can beget violence.

"It's interesting to me how incredibly defensive that this discussion has become," she said outside of a caucus meeting Wednesday. "Does anybody really want to defend the use of a bullseye, or the image of a member of Congress, shooting at it?"

"We can get into examples that have been used on our side, on their side -- if that's what the discussion becomes about then we're just fighting over who's been worse in their use of rhetoric," she added. "Rather, I think we should all resolve to think very carefully about the words that we use."

Schakowsky said the vote on health care repeal is likely to happen next week, but she doesn't know whether the GOP will change its name. It's currently called "Repealing the Job Killing Health Care Law Act."

"I think we have to have a mature conversation about how we talk and how it might affect the atmosphere and disturbed individuals," Schakowsky said.

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/schakowsky-peculiar-how-defensive-people-get-about-critiques-of-violent-rhetoric.php?ref=fpb