What Paul Gosar’s actions mean for civil discourse in America

Arizona Republican congressman Paul Gosar has been censured by the House and removed from committee assignments after he tweeted out an Anime-style video showing him killing another lawmaker and attacking President Biden. We discussed what this type of behavior means for civil discourse with Keith Allred, Executive Director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse, which was formed after the shooting of Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Paul Gosar is a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Arizona’s fourth district since 2013.

“It’s certainly a regrettable moment in American history,” Allred said. Allred mentioned that people have to be more cautious after the January 6th Capitol Insurrection.

Allred talked about self-government and some of the challenges that have come along the way. “What’s unique about our period now is our conflicts align along party lines,” he said.

In response to Speaker of The House, Nancy Pelosi’s quote saying Gosar’s actions “normalize violence,” Allred said Gosar’s actions “lowers the norm.” “His actions are just not practical, and doesn’t even help Gosar,” he added.

He mentioned that constituents will most likely have a more difficult time listening to Gosar’s solutions in Congress after this incident. “He has to rebound and persuade more people on merit. He’s got fewer people listening to him now.”