Since the February 14 school shooting in Florida we have seen some pretty atrocious behavior from some so called "adults". We've seen hurtful and hateful remarks, russian trolls, conspiracy theories aimed at survivors to discredit them, calling them actors, even bullying, and name calling. This behavior is unnaceptable and should never be spoken by anyone but definitely not by our leaders or lawmakers. These disgusting attacks should never be made, by anyone, but particularly not children who survived a traumatic event like a mass shooting at their school. We expect a level of civility especially after such a tragedy, and we expect in a democracy that regardless of party affiliation our lawmakers would have more respect for the loss of American lives.
It's no surprise that republicans, the so called party of family values continue to spew vile and sexist hatred and keep lowering the bar for decency, this time the remarks are coming from a republican candidate Leslie Gibson who's running for Maine House District 57.
Gibson, who is currently the treasurer for Androscoggin county GOP committee and lifetime NRA member used his personal Twitter account to respond to an article by The Hill that featured a picture of Parkland survivor Emma González and said
“There is nothing about this skinhead lesbian that impresses me and there is nothing that she has to say unless you’re a frothing at the mouth moonbat.”
He later added more ignorant remarks saying Gonzalez shouldn't be considered a "victim" because she was in a "different part of the school” than the 17 victims... Give me a break... Gibson also called survivor David Hogg a “bald-faced liar” and "a moron" in another tweet.
At some point it struck Gibson (or maybe someone explained it to him) that the comments might be insensitive and inappropriate. Gee, ya think?? He deleted the tweets and offered an apology while also offering an excuse for his blatant ignorance.
“I would like to extend to you my most sincere apology for how I addressed you,” he wrote to Gonzalez “It was wrong and unacceptable. You are doing work that is important to you. I would like to extend my hand in friendship and understanding to you.” (He has since deactivated his Twitter account).
Gibson is now facing serious backlash by the community and other politicians. Maine State Sen. Amy Volk (R) called for Gibson to withdraw from the state House race, as did Phil Barlett, chairman of the Maine Democratic Party, who blasted Gibson’s comments as “disgusting and not representative of Maine values,”
He later excused his behavior as being in defense of the Constitution by saying “It was not appropriate to single out the Parkland students, but I stand firm in my defense of our constitutional rights,”
Gibson also added when he wins that he will
“lead the charge in the protection and preservation of our constitutional rights and our Maine traditions against these attacks."
That may have been hopeful thinking since he was running unopposed, but his crude remarks gained quite a bit of attention and he now has competition.
Eryn Gilchrist, a 28-year-old Bates College graduate who lives in Greene, ME, and works for a medical device company, filed her paperwork on Thursday which was the deadline for Democratic and Republican candidates to file in the state.
Gilchrist said this of her decision to run
"I never thought I would run for office, and I was perfectly content with just remaining a member of the community, but after reading Mr. Gibson’s comments I thought that the people of Greene and Sabattus deserved a representative who will respect people and try to work through their differences to make our lives better".
The election will be held on November 6, 2018.
Here is the link for funding donations for Gilchrist campaign
Donate to Gilchrist to beat Gibson
It's disgusting that republicans will stoop so low to bullying and name calling, particularly towards survivors and children of a tragedy. Hopefully events such as this can inspire more people to run for office as Eryn is doing.
Way to step up!!!