It was poor judgment for Democratic state Rep. Julie von Haefen to post a picture of a “beheadings” protest sign.

She had the character and courage to admit it and apologize on the floor of the House (photo).

Republican Speaker Destin Hall professed outrage over the post and admonished House members to “hold yourselves to a higher standard.”

Why doesn’t Hall hold his party and President to that standard?

Did he admonish Trump for inciting a violent mob to attack the Capitol on January 6 and pardoning thugs who assaulted police officers and wanted to hang Vice President Mike Pence?

Or Trump for mocking the hammer assault on Nancy Pelosi’s husband?

Or Mark Robinson for telling a church group “some folks need killing”?

Or Michelle Morrow for posting that Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Roy Cooper should be executed for treason?

Or Utah Senator Mike Lee for blaming the assassination of a Minnesota legislator and her husband on Governor Tim Walz?

Isaac Bailey got it right about Hall and the GOP in The News & Observer, “Oh, give me a break. Stop clutching your pearls. Your rank hypocrisy is showing.”

Violent political rhetoric has been ratcheting up since Trump rode down his golden escalator in 2015.

It’s time to cool it.

It’s way past time for Republicans like Hall to call out Trump and MAGA on it.