Eric Cantor has “deep concerns Dems using threats as a Political Weapon,” or so reads the headline at RealClearPolitics.  The horror. Threatened Congressional representatives and their political party reveal the threats of physical intimidation by Republicans (John Boehner, Dennis Prager, Sarah Palin, anonymous bloggers and phone callers, etc.) and/or their other mouthpieces (RealClearPolitics, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and other purveyors of deception). Democrats tell their supporters that Republicans are literally gunning for them and they should raise more money to face up to the intimidation. And, we should be horrified by this?

How about this: Let’s be horrified at death threats made against members of the Democratic Party for their political positions. This threatens free speech and civil society. It is terrorism.

When those being terrorized stand up, it makes their accusers even more uncomfortable. Ida Wells and Mother Jones are examples of those who stood up against threats and violence to seek a better life for their fellow Americans. I am standing up. I am calling on Eric Cantor and John Boehner to act like elected leaders. I want you to lead by repudiating the radical right, by repudiating hateful racist teabaggers, by repudiating the voices of unreason that speak hate–Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh as two examples.

Let’s stop the hate; let’s have meaningful debate on the issues, let’s work together, let’s make law together. We can’t do that if you opt out in rancor and hate. Lead Gentlemen, Lead.