Our language matters and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) knows that. So he’s urging people to return to civil and respectful discourse, but somehow, even that has become controversial.
The Florida lawmaker, known for frequently posting Bible passages on social media, tweeted Friday about his frustration over the fact that the F-word has become so “routinely used” in people’s Twitter feeds and by reporters in the media:
Sign of our times… the F word is now routinely used in news stories, tweets etc It’s not even F*** anymore. Who made that decision???
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 29, 2018
The tweet came on the heels of a deadly shooting at The Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland, where five people were killed and several others were injured. Some reports seemed to link Rubio’s condemnation of harsh language to the horrific attack.
During an interview on CNN, Gazette reporter and shooting survivor Selene San Felice said she “couldn’t give a f*** about the offer of prayers, if there’s nothing else.” However, it should be noted, there is no actual proof linking the senator’s comments to those made by San Felice.
“I’ve heard that Pres. Trump sent his prayers. I’m not trying to make this political right? But we need more than prayers… I want your prayers but I want something else.”
Capital Gazette writer Selene San Felice says her life has been "shattered" after witnessing the attack pic.twitter.com/mUwVZBjpmo
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) June 29, 2018
Nevertheless, the condemnations of Rubio’s call for decency starting rolling in:
Dear Senator Marco Rubio: I agree with you that using the F word without asterisks should not be routine.
But perhaps you should be concerned about the F*cking evil situation of thousands of children ripped away from their parents by our government. Who made that decision??? https://t.co/Ae2xKQgX8N
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) June 29, 2018
Two of the worst mass shootings in American history happened in Florida while you represented us.
Instead of worrying about language, worry about your constituents lives — stop serving self interests and serve those who are on the front lines. https://t.co/iXqB0gzgDy
— Matt Deitsch (@MattxRed) June 29, 2018
Let me explain it to you, Marco. Having a senator who spends his fu**ing time moonlighting as a media critic while journalists are being shot, calls for cursing. ¡Coño! https://t.co/NB5yd2u0sH
— Ana Navarro (@ananavarro) June 29, 2018
Trust me Senator, there is no obscenity that compares to your inaction against this savage, travesty of a regime! What’s the F word for UnAmerican? https://t.co/Fm23Z7rb7j
— Ron Perlman (@perlmutations) June 29, 2018
Somehow, in this age of outrage and seemingly unending divisiveness, Rubio’s encouragement for others not to use the F-word has turned into a debate over gun control. But the Catholic congressman has stayed the course, continuing his call for civility and decency:
It’s not good that people increasingly get news & information only from sources that confirm what they want to hear. It’s terrible that their is increasingly no space for nuance or 3rd way on any issue. If media doesn’t think they have contributed to this they are very mistaken.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 28, 2018
The LORD is my strength and my shield, in whom my heart trusts. I am helped, so my heart rejoices; with my song I praise him. Psalms 28:7
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 30, 2018
You hate discipline;you cast my words behind you! If you see a thief,you run with him;with adulterers you throw in your lot. You give your mouth free rein for evil;you yoke your tongue to deceit. You sit & speak against your brother,slandering your mother’s son. Psalms 50: 17-20
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 2, 2018
Please continue to be in prayer for those impacted by the deadly shooting in Annapolis last week.