Arizona GOP chairman resigns over threats

While much of the nation is focused on the tragic shooting in Arizona, another Arizona story is getting much less attention and may be even more significant for the country.

I speak of Anthony Miller, the recently re-elected chairman of the 20th District of the Republican Party in Arizona. He had received a barrage of intimidating verbal assaults, disparaging and caustic messages and threats from people associated with the Tea Party movement. The shooting in Tucson was an alarming reminder of the risk he was subjecting his family and himself to and he decided, for the safety of his family, to resign.

He was a tireless worker for the Republican Party who spent much time and energy in support of the party, but to some he had committed an unforgivable sin by supporting John McCain's re-election effort instead of supporting Tea Party favorite J.D. Hayworth in the recent Senate race.

There have been other similar resignations in Arizona and elsewhere but this one provides a particularly clear example of a trend in this country that is disturbing. As the rhetoric by various political leaders grows harsher, the wall that separates speech from violence gets weaker.

I never would advocate censure, but I ask that people reject the inflammatory demagoguery that has become far too common.

Richard Greer

Cedar Rapids