Arizona congressman to blocked people on Facebook: ‘I don’t care’
Jul 11, 2017, 4:27 AM | Updated: 1:28 pm
(AP File Photo)>
(AP File Photo)
PHOENIX — An Arizona congressman who has taken to blocking abusive people on Facebook has a message for them: “I don’t care.”
In a tweet, U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar wrote he would rather see people use the site to contact him about issues that matter rather than just spewing hateful language.
“If you would like to voice your concern, there are plenty of places for you to do so, including my Facebook,” he wrote. “But the moment you become disrespectful to me or my staff with crude language or distasteful discourse, you lose the opportunity to do so.
“Commenting on my Facebook is a privilege, not a right.”
Gosar wrote the decision was made after people left unrelated or abusive comments on photos of him alongside constituents and loved ones. He also referenced the June shooting of House Majority Whip Steve Scalise at a baseball field outside of Washington, D.C.
“If you genuinely think that Members (sic) of Congress should not take your hostile, crass and inappropriate rhetoric as a threat, I challenge you, ask Mr. Scalise for this thoughts,” Gosar wrote. “Ask his wife. Ask his children.”
Gosar wrote the argument that he was unconstitutionally preventing certain people from speaking their minds was hogwash.
“Your First Amendment right are fully intact: If you think a block on Facebook is infringing upon your constitutional right to petition the government, you are sorely mistaken,” he wrote.
Gosar wrote he encouraged people who have something to say can contact his office through other means.
“You want to petition the government? Terrific. Call my office and file a complaint. Write me a letter spelling out your grievances,” he wrote.
“My staff does a terrific job of addressing these issues and briefing me on your messages … Call my office and let’s get something done.”
