Online Public Relations Thoughts

Republican Congressman Paul Gosar says he didn't mean to foment violence against Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and President Biden in a posted video.  He said no threat of injury was intended by himself or his staff.  Democrats were not convinced and Gosar became the 24th House member to be censured.  Communicators should be aware that in the present time, violent rhetoric, whether visual or written, is against the interests of the country.  That is because of the Jan. 6 uprising, which took over the Capitol building and the existence of nationalist groups who espouse a forceful takeover of Washington DC.  One can be forceful in opinions but not call for injury as a consequence of disagreement.  This is the not the first time anger has motivated both sides.  Before the Civil War in 1856, a southern Congressman caned an Abolitionist Senator in the well of the Senate.  There has been no physical act of violence yet in today's case, but the potential is there and the potential is what led the Democratic majority to react.  Republicans were outraged and said it was unfair.  Look for them to return the favor should they retake the House next year.  Meanwhile, all sides should cool down and try to be more reasonable.