Arizona congressman: 'So you're upset I blocked you on Facebook. Here's why I don't care'
Ronald J. Hansen
U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar lashed out at critics on social media Friday, saying he will block Facebook users who make posts he deems improper and uncivil.
In a 400-word post reflecting anger and frustration, the four-term Arizona Republican unloaded on those who express "hostile, crass and inappropriate rhetoric."
"Commenting on my Facebook is a privilege, not a right," Gosar wrote.
"Quite frankly, we don’t care if a Facebook 'block' offends you," he later added.
Faith Vander Voort, a spokeswoman for Gosar, said the congressman was unavailable for comment Friday. She said the pending GOP health-care bills have generated the most vitriol lately, but said Gosar and his staffers have faced years of abusive comments.
"There was a stretch when Mr. Gosar was commonly called terrible and offensive things, like 'Hitler.' Of course, that isn’t tolerated," Vander Voort said.
During his congressional career, which began in 2011, Gosar has blocked "several hundred" users, she said.
'Quit spewing hateful comments'
In his Facebook post, Gosar cited last month's shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., as an example of why he and his staff take threats seriously. He also urged people to contact him — civilly — if they want a serious effort to discuss their grievances.
"If you really desire to get in touch with me, quit spewing hateful comments on photos of me with constituents and loved ones. Call my office and let’s get something done," he wrote.
The post quickly generated dozens of responses, with many of the ones publicly shown supportive of Gosar's position.
"Thank you for handling this in a clear and concise manner. People that have real concerns will address them using the proper channels," according to a user identified as Jeni Henry Donahey.
"Cowards who hide behind a FB account because they're incapable of exchanging views in a civilized manner have no right to abuse others ... block them all," wrote a user identified as Valerie Lazor Mahany.
Others saw Gosar coming up short in his public responsibilities.
"If a staff member of the representative is on Facebook monitoring all the posts, they are doing it on taxpayer expense. Thus, your Facebook postings belong to the taxpayer and not to you," according to a user identified as Bob Burd.
"I guess Rep. Paul Gosar does not want to represent the constituents who disagree with him," wrote a user identified as David Brauer.
Health-care plan focus of anger
Gosar's posting is the latest in a series of heated skirmishes between Republicans and a public that intensely dislikes the GOP health-care plans, President Donald Trump and Congress generally.
On Thursday, a man was arrested after allegedly telling staffers at Sen. Jeff Flake's office, "We will get better aim," a reference to the Scalise shooting.
In May, federal authorities charged a Tucson man with leaving threatening messages for U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz.
One piece of common ground for Democrats and Republicans in Congress today seems to be agreement that the public is seething.
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