Intimidation Undermines Democracy

In matters of foreign policy, one of the markers the U.S. often uses to assess progress in other countries is whether they are holding free elections. Both Democratic and Republican administrations consider free elections a good sign because of their fundamental importance in a democratic society. Democrats and Republicans alike point to the peaceful transfer of power as a very positive sign, and both agree that this is one of the strengths of a democratic system.

Both Republican and Democratic administrations frown upon news that political parties in other nations are engaging in intimidation or violence in the aftermath of a free election. Disagreement is one thing, but intimidation is unacceptable because it undermines the democratic process.

And yet right here in the U.S., Democratic members of Congress are receiving messages like the one below. This was faxed to a Democratic Congressman toward the end of the debate over health care reform.

I have little doubt that if this sort of thing was happening in another country, our politicians from both parties would condemn it. But when it happens here, the Republicans find themselves in a difficult spot. They have been filmed egging on teabaggers from a House balcony and on the House floor, and their support for Fox "News" and conservative talk radio has been unflinching. How can they effectively disown something of which they have been such an important part?

I cannot help wonder which we will see first: the teabaggers turning on their Republican allies or Republican politicians crossing a line that ensures the party will not be viable for the forseable future.