Bob Kerrey
Democratic Sen. Bob Kerrey added his voice to those who contend
that continuous bashing of the federal government helped create an
atmosphere in which the Oklahoma City bombing could occur. He told
a questioner after his Club luncheon address that conservative talk
radio hosts feed "junk and garbage" to their listeners because they
must constantly appeal to commercial advertisers seeking to largest
possible audience. "Political appeals to white, male gun owners
as victims of government oppression can unintentionally provide a
silent refuge for right-wing extremists who believe that violence
is a reasonable means to reach a justifiable goal," the Nebraska
Senator said. "We have all been too reluctant to voluntarily
censure a rising tide of violent expression pounding wave after
wave into the living rooms of American households in the form of
entertainment, news and political commentary." Kerrey proposed
that the federal government offer $40 billion per year for five
years to communities prepared to sign five-year performance
contracts to improve educational facilities in their localities.
The National Press Club Record Volume XLV, No. 17, May 4,
1995.
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