‘Strong’ Words From State Officials Over Recent Threats Are Hollow-Op Ed

First, let's address that it's not acceptable to make threats of violence or harm to public officials, or other people for that matter. In addition, in the long run, it weakens your argument and makes you look worse.  Now, to address the real issue.

  The Chorus of condemnation over threats to officials is hollow and fake when you consider CHOP in Seattle and other issues.

During a recent session of the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC), Dr. Umair Shah told officials he's received a variety of threats from citizens and those who oppose his handling of COVID and other health matters. According to various sources, including the Spokesman-Review (Spokane) Shah said he's been called a "monster," a "fraud" and an "accessory to murder."  He's also been called a variety of swear words.

Shah is the WA State Secretary of Health.

 Shah testified at the session this week, that he and some other officials are seeking an exemption to PDC laws that require an official or candidate's home address and other personal information to be accessible to the public.

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Shah claimed he and some other officials have been the target of attempted doxxing, where people use personal information to shame and threaten a person in person or online. Shah also apparently received thinly-disguised threats that people would "get him."

The PDC granted his exemption. In the past, some officials or even candidates have received similar treatment when the PDC felt their safety was potentially threatened.

GOP State Senate Leader John Braun issued a response Wednesday, saying under no circumstances should any threat be made to any public official, but he also referenced the erroneous allegations that threats were made against the State Capitol, which was the excuse Inslee used for putting up fencing around it last year. His words rang hollow as well.

   These statements are ironic

While most GOP legislators did condemn the actions of the CHOP group who took over a six-block area of Seattle in 2020, Inslee, Shah, and other officials basically did and said nothing to condemn or stop it. Apparently, on his side of the fence, it's ok to burn down buildings and terrorize citizens, it's ok to fire workers without blinking an eye over vaccinations, and it's ok to push legislation that would punish legislators who question election results.

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But when the tables are turned, officials like Shah cry and moan about security, and safety, and expect special demands and treatment.  While no public official should have their safety threatened, it's much more difficult to feel empathy for someone or a group of persons who turned away when this kind of behavior was being condoned for political reasons against citizens and their opponents.