MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As a journalist, I have covered politics for close to 40 years and I have seen the best and worst of those who represent us in elected office. But short of criminal activity, I don’t think I have seen anything as reprehensible as the photo posted to Twitter over the weekend by Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie.
The photo shows Massie and six family members – including apparently a teenage girl – all holding high powered rifles in front of a Christmas tree. Massie’s tweet says "Merry Christmas. PS, Santa, please bring ammo." The tweet is being roundly criticized by Democrats and Republicans – and rightfully so. In fact, it should be condemned by all Americans.
It was posted just days after four teenagers were shot to death inside a Michigan high school from the latest mass shooting in America.
How anyone, let alone a sitting Congressman, could post something so repugnant is beyond me. But again, this is par for the course for some members of Congress who believe that the best way to get attention, satisfy their base and raise money is to do and say crazy things.
Apparently Massie cares little for the families grieving the murder of their teenage children – after parents gave their disturbed teenage son a gun he had no business having. Still, I don’t expect Massie’s thoughtless tweet to cause him much political damage. After all, these days, the more outlandish, the better.
I’m Otis Sanford, and that’s my point of view.