[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 81 (Tuesday, May 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       LET'S TALK ABOUT THE FACTS

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                           HON. JACK METCALF

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 16, 1995
  Mr. METCALF. Mr. Speaker, while discussing the massive Federal debt 
and annual budget deficits of over $200 billion at a recent town hall 
meeting in Oak Harbor, WA, I used a Member of the other body as an 
example of the old guard in Washington, DC. I criticized him for his 
opposition to the Balanced Budget Amendment, his reputation for 
securing questionable spending projects for West Virginia, and his 
unwillingness to cut wasteful Federal spending.
  I then said in a light-hearted vein at the town hall meeting that 
because of this, the Member should be tarred and feathered. 
Historically, since the late 1800's, tarred and feathered has been a 
humorous reference, meaning community outrage at a person who violates 
the general good of the community. I have never, nor would I ever, 
seriously advocate mob violence toward anyone.
  A more important note, in my mind, however, is the misinformation 
regarding a remark, made from the audience, that the Member should be 
shot. At the time of the comment I was speaking and thus did not hear 
nor was I aware of what had been said. Had I heard the statement at the 
time, I would have condemned it on the spot.
  Political rhetoric is one thing, but threatening violence is quite 
another. I have always condemned senseless acts of violence and have 
worked to enact laws ensuring swift and sure punishment for those who 
break the law.
  My comments were intended to illustrate the abuses of the old, 
outdated political process, certainly not to support the use of 
violence.


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