While discussing a recent court ruling that kept Montana’s gray wolves on the Endangered Species List, Congressman Denny Rehberg delivered this ill-conceived zinger:
“When I first heard of this decision, like many of you I wanted to take immediate action,” Rehberg said, according to the Helena Independent Record. “I asked: How can we put some of these judicial activists on the endangered species list?”
A very insensitive choice of words, especially considering that a federal judge was gunned down by Jared Loughner last month. Presumably, Rehberg didn’t intend to promote violence against activist judges, though. It’s safe to assume that he wants them to become scarce, but through legal, peaceful means. The reality is that this kind of bellicose language is a part of the political lexicon, and you really have to be thinking carefully about your words to avoid them. For many of our representatives, that’s a lot to ask.
Rep. Rehberg hits ‘insufferable arrogance’ in D.C.; slams federal judge [Ballot Box/Hill]
A very insensitive choice of words, especially considering that a federal judge was gunned down by Jared Loughner last month. Presumably, Rehberg didn’t intend to promote violence against activist judges, though. It’s safe to assume that he wants them to become scarce, but through legal, peaceful means. The reality is that this kind of bellicose language is a part of the political lexicon, and you really have to be thinking carefully about your words to avoid them. For many of our representatives, that’s a lot to ask.
Rep. Rehberg hits ‘insufferable arrogance’ in D.C.; slams federal judge [Ballot Box/Hill]
