The Party of Creepy Stalkers

Republicans have already lost their minds over common sense measures to reduce gun violence.  Now, in Oregon at least, they are moving into the creepy realm.

As reported by The Oregonian, the chair of the Multnomah County Republican Party, Jeff Reynolds, has posted a surveillance video of the home of gun-control advocate State Senator Ginny Burdick (D-Portland).  Reynolds would not name the James O’Keefe wannabe who spent two hours filming the private residence in a clear attempt to intimidate Burdick.

Burdick, who regularly receives hate mail from gun nuts, canceled an appearance at a PSU town hall, and thus got the stalking treatment.

To be clear, there is nothing “unconstitutional” or “un-American” about the gun control legislation Burdick is carrying in the current Salem session.  On our March 5 show (listen here), Penny Okamoto of Ceasefire Oregon runs down the list.

Constructive debate is one thing.  Thuggish town hall mobs are another.  Burdick has every right and reason to avoid the kind of 2009 Tea Party mania that turned an opportunity for vital discussion on healthcare into shouting matches about “death panels.”

Seriously, until I read the Oregonian story, I did not know there was a Multnomah County Republican Party.  But now that I do, I will offer its chair, Mr. Reynolds, some advice:

Keep posting stalking videos and the GOP will become even more marginalized in this state.

Or lead your followers into a discussion of Oregon’s future:  universal access to healthcare, preventive medicine, wave and wind energy, B-corps, the DREAM ACT, marriage equality, sustainable agriculture, cutting-edge R&D, first-class schools, fair trade and rising wages.  For starters.

Point that camera in the opposite direction and take a good look at your party and yourself.