'I've been called a Nazi': Social media attacks prompt Liberal MHA to appeal for calm

Liberal MHA Bernard Davis is challenginghis social media attackers, asking for more considerate comments in light of a string of insults he says he has endured amid an uproar over Newfoundland and Labrador's tax.

"I've been called a Nazi, people threatened to throw coffee in my face,cursing is a regular occurrence on Facebook and that's onTwitter as well," Davis, the MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville, told CBC Radio's St. John's Morning Show.

In a June 3Facebook post to his personal page, Bernard asked fora more moderate tone out ofrespect for his family and friends.

"I respectfully ask that you avoid swearingand insults here," he wrote.

"I have many other mediums for you to reach out to me."

'OK with criticism'

Like other Liberals, Davis has heard plenty of sharp words since a tax-hiking, cost-cutting budget was brought down in April.

"I'm OKwith criticism, don't get me wrong," Davis saidin an interview.

"They can say what they want to me on my personal email or on a phone call to me, which is fine.But I'm the one who signed up for public life, not my family."

Davis saidit's a minority who arecausing the most trouble.

"Most of the people are really,really good. They don't take it to the Nth degree," he said.

"Some people overstep the line, and by sending a message to them on mass media, Ijust wanted to let them know, you can't have an adequate debate on Facebook. It's great for sharing informationback and forth, but its not great for a debate."

The message, not the medium

Davis maintains personal and public Facebook pages, as well as Twitter, and said overall they are great tools to connect with constituents.

"Ithink it's a great medium for people to reach out.I've learned an awful lot of people's feelings from Facebook," he said, adding he's always willing to take those online comments offline.

"Iinvite everyone to meet with me, or phone me directly or I'll call them. Itry to reach out to everybody when Ireceive messages."

Davis said he understands that people are angry over the budget and a myriad of other Liberal moves, but just hopes for that to be channeled into fewer personal insults and more productive conversations.