'Welcome Terrorists:' Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) Explores the New Civility

Al Franken, as quoted by Minnesota’s WDAY News in January:

Franken says it’s his job to meet with the people he’s representing. He says the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will not stop him from doing the job he was elected to do.

Rep.Giffords was shot in the head, and a hospital spokesman calls the Democrat’s outlook “optimistic.” The man accused of shooting her and 19 others, 22-year old Jared Loughner, appeared in federal court today and was ordered held on bail.

Franken says he hopes the shooting will end some of the negative language towards politicians as they continue to meet and work for the people.

Well, it was a nice sentiment while it lasted:

Related: “Liberal Civility Watch: Tea Party Likened to Hezbollah,” by the New York Times’ Thomas Friedman. But considering the Times’ often radical chic stance on Middle East politics, does he consider that an epithet or a compliment?