The Place of Dead Roads

From the office of the House Majority Leader, Tom DeLay:

Mrs. Schiavo’s death is a moral poverty and a legal tragedy. This loss happened because our legal system did not protect the people who need protection most, and that will change. The time will come for the men responsible for this to answer for their behavior, but not today. Today we grieve, we pray, and we hope to God this fate never befalls another. (March 31, 2005)

From the office of Sen Ted Kennedy:

Mr. DeLay's comments today were irresponsible and reprehensible...But at a time when emotions are running high, Mr. DeLay needs to make clear that he is not advocating violence against anyone. People in this case have already had their lives threatened. In just the past few weeks, judges and their families in this country have been brutally murdered...It is time...not for more inflammatory rhetoric, and responsible national leaders should understand that and stop this exploitation.
(March 31, 2005)

From the office of Sen Frank Lautenberg:

Dear Rep. DeLay,

I was stunned to read the threatening comments you made yesterday against Federal judges and our nation's courts of law in general...

As you are surely aware, the family of Federal Judge Joan H. Lefkow of Illinois was recently murdered in their home. And at the state level, Judge Rowland W. Barnes and others in his courtroom were gunned down in Georgia.

You should be aware that your comments yesterday may violate a Federal criminal statute, 18 U.S.C. §115 (a)(1)(B)...

Threats against specific Federal judges are not only a serious crime, but also beneath a Member of Congress...

Federal judges, as well as state and local judges in our nation, are honorable public servants who make difficult decisions every day. You owe them -- and all Americans -- an apology for your reckless statements.
(April 1, 2005)

(all emphasis mine)

Update: Vice Pres Dick Cheney is quoted as, New York Post

Cheney said he backed efforts to help save Terri Schiavo's life, but strongly disagreed with House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas), who wants retribution against judges who blocked restoration of her feeding tube.

"I don't think that's appropriate . . . There's a reason why judges get lifetime appointments," he said.
(April 2, 2005)