Texas Rep Talarico Deserves Respect, Not AG Paxton’s Dangerous Rhetoric

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recently called Texas State Representative James Talarico a lunatic. This kind of public insult is not just beneath the office. It mirrors the same toxic rhetoric we have seen from Donald Trump. That kind of language has fueled threats, harassment, and real violence in our country. When elected officials resort to name-calling, they invite others to do worse. Research shows that dehumanizing political language leads to increased violence and hate crimes. Members of Congress, judges, and public servants have been targeted after being attacked in speeches or social media posts. I urge you to speak out. Condemn this kind of behavior and make clear it has no place in American government. Hold leaders to a higher standard. Silence only protects the powerful. Accountability protects our democracy.