Revolutionary Goad: Has the Anti-Government Rhetoric Gone Too Far?

Exactly how far is too far?

Several times over the past month or so, I've dismissed Glenn Beck, the new clown prince of Fox News, as being not much more than a guy doing Kaufman-esque stand-up -- an opportunistic little turd who's playing his audience of paranoid conspiracists like a badly tuned piano in the name of making himself rich. At one point, I even admitted that Beck was basically good, clean fun -- or at least would be until some tinfoil-hatted psychopath who took his nonsense way too seriously decided to fire off a few rounds at President Obama.

But given what we're now seeing, the question has to be asked: Is it just a matter of time before something like that does in fact happen?

Over the weekend, a man in Pittsburgh gunned down three police officers who showed up to the home he shared with his mother on a domestic disturbance call. He strapped on a Kevlar vest and armed himself with an AK-47, waited for them to come through the door, then picked them off one by one. The details that have come out about the shooter since the attack are as infuriating as they are not-the-least-bit-surprising: 22-year-old Richard Poplawski is identified as a Marine Corps wash-out, a recently unemployed white supremacist who believes that the Jews control the media and that, most tellingly, the Obama Administration is planning to ban his beloved guns. In other words, he's exactly the kind of guy who, if you went on TV and told him that his worst paranoid hallucinations were coming true and that the new left-wing government was indeed poised to kick down his door and take his freedoms away, would believe every fucking word of it and act accordingly.

And if you don't think that that's exactly the message the Richard Poplawskis of this country are being inundated with from the far right these days, you're even more delusional than Poplawski himself.

Over the space of just the past couple of weeks, Glenn Beck has warned his loyal, terrified viewership of the coming socialist junta; lunatic congresswoman Michele Bachmann has claimed that the U.S. dollar is about to be replaced by foreign currency, American youths will soon be sent to "re-education camps," and patriotic citizens should be "armed and dangerous" and ready for revolution; disgraced CNBC loudmouth Jim Cramer has called the Democrats "Bolsheviks" and compared the U.S. House of Representatives to the Politburo; and Dick Morris, the no-bullshit smarmiest man alive, spat this little pearl of wisdom into the Fox News echo chamber:

"Those crazies in Montana who say, 'we're going to kill ATF agents because the UN's going to take over' -- well, they're beginning to have a case."

In case you missed that, let's rewind: Dick Morris says that militaristic nutjobs willing to kill government agents now have a fucking case.

Once again, exactly how far is too far?

While free speech has to be respected and the right to it protected, is there no line of rhetoric so incendiary, so dangerous, so shameless in its aim of instigating simply for the sake of ad revenue, that it can't provoke absolute outrage? If you know that there are an inordinate number of Richard Poplawskis listening to you and that they already buy thoroughly into half-baked persecution fantasies -- and then you purposely try to at best validate their fears or at worst scare the hell out of them even further -- don't you bear at least a small amount of responsibility for the outcome? Shouldn't there be accountability?

In a display of hypocrisy that's almost staggering, many on the right who once railed against the twin evils of violent video games and Marilyn Manson and decried their supposed relation to teen violence are now hiding behind the very argument they say bleeding-heart liberals used against them way back when: that you can't blame the messenger for the effect the message might have on one or two unstable individuals. To his credit, Bob Cesca has a good take on this specious comparison; he points out that the difference between, say, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold -- the Columbine killers -- and someone like Richard Poplawski is that Harris and Klebold, while certainly being budding gun fetishists, hadn't yet developed the intransigent political ideology that goes hand-in-hand with a maniacal worship of weapons in this country. Harris and Klebold, like Cho Seung Hui -- the Virginia Tech killer -- were basically impressionable kids using guns to lash out and make themselves feel powerful (the latter, a trait they indeed shared with Poplawski and one that should have precluded them from ever owning a goddamned gun in the first place). They loved guns, sure -- but they didn't yet have the distrust of a government they feared would one day come and take their precious weapons away. Poplawski was impressionable in another way in that he did think that his weapons made him part of a larger culture of True Believers, and any confirmation of an attack on the way of life espoused by he and those like him would be all it took to set him off. And it did. Poplawski likely always figured his guns could be used to level the socio-political and economic playing field, and in his twisted mind, that's exactly what happened.

But for those who would still claim that everyone is impressionable in his or her own way and that, at some level, both the creators of GTA4 and Glenn Beck need to acknowledge that their actions may have unintended consequences: You're right, to an extent. The bottom line is that while free speech and expression must be respected, there has to be a level of responsibility attached. It's reckless, dangerous and immoral to knowingly stoke the demons of a person's nature -- and what's worse, to pass fantasy off as fact and do it in the name of making a buck or a political point. It's intellectually dishonest to pretend that you're operating in a vacuum -- whether you're Marilyn Manson or Michele Bachmann -- and that nothing you say will have an impact on the crazies within your target audience.

So, I ask yet again: How far is too far?

I talked to my father a few days ago. He's an ex-cop and ex-Navy Seal who now lives part-time in a little Florida town called Sebring -- right in the center of the state's hyper-Republican I-4 Corridor. He's had a concealed weapons permit for decades and is about the most qualified and responsible person I can imagine being allowed to carry a weapon. He mentioned to me that he had recently been to the local Wal-Mart looking for ammunition for his handgun -- the kind of thing that's typically in abundance at a Central Florida big box store. But what he found surprised him, and scared him a little.

The place was almost completely out of ammo. In fact, it turns out they can barely keep the stuff on the shelves these days.

Somebody out there is listening to the "warnings."

And I'm betting that what we've seen lately is just the beginning of the nightmare.

Chez Pazienza is the author of Dead Star Twilight, which can be purchased at www.DeusExMalcontent.com.

Comments

[Ohio9]

The fact of the matter is we don't yet know if Poplawski's gun ban fears had anything to do with his killing spree. All we know is that he shot the cops when they responded to a domestic incident at his mother's house. His thoughts on guns might not have had anything to do with it.

Chez Pazienza is no mind reader. He, like the rest of us, does not have the slightest idea what actually prompted Poplawski to start shooting, and it is absurd to suggest otherwise.

[mbaty]

I can kind of understand why these people would get all militant. People who are being foreclosed on almost seem justified in at least brandishing a gun, although I'm not in any way condoning violence, nor do I believe it is ever the best choice. I think what you have is people becoming justifiably paranoid that the government is out of control, that it has become a Corptocracy or that the entire financial system is a complete fraud. There comes a tipping point, I think, when the outrage of the public, combined with a sense of helplessness, compells people to act aggresively as an act of survival, as a way of ensuring that their life in it's present form continues. And, as the article noted, many of our entertainments glorify a certain rebellious form of violent independence that we in America consider a virtue. How many movies have you seen the "good guy" threatening an anonymous driver with a gun in order to use the car (for Noble purposes?) And we root for them.

[OdinsEye]

"They interviewed a 69-yr old woman who owns an AK-47. "

So?

[HisXLNC]

Apparently, gun controllers are sexist and ageist, as opposed to racist.

[djkrlsn]

Don't worry--the gun ban brigade is racist as well

[Bobotheclown]

Fringe violence is an old problem in America and there are many legal and ethical ways to control it without limiting our liberties.

First we must respect the importance of the First Amendment and hold it sacrosanct. But also we must understand that it has been held to be limited by the courts in several ways. One is the prohibition against inciteful speech, the "fire in the theater" rule. Another is the fairness doctrine that was suspended in 1987. If we bring back the the fairness doctrine, separate journalism from editorial opinion (such as Glenn Beck) and clearly label it as such the public will be much less confused and fearful. We should not want to limit speech but rather to present it truthfully to the public and let them make up their own minds.

The Second Amendment describes an important and individual right that will be part of our laws as long as America exists. But the courts (and the NRA) have allowed common sense limitations on it for years, such as the 1934 ban on the individual ownership of automatic weapons. If we implement background checks that would filter out violent psychological histories, criminal backgrounds, and straw buyer activities, gun ownership would not be impeded and very few of the recent gun related headlines could have happened. If we provide training in gun safety and operation, the problem would nearly vanish.

We can solve these problems if we respect out traditions and get serious about solving them.

[djkrlsn]

If people can not recognize that Glenn Beck, Bill O', Sean Hannity or the Err America hosts are commentato­rs/editior­ialists--t­hey truly need to go back to school (like third or fourth grade

[FreelanceMinion]

So Obama is terrible because he may have one friend who was in a violent radical group decades ago, but Beck is OK when he endorses people ready to kill the SAME police and federal agents TODAY?

Again, I don't mean for this to be anti-gun ownership, I'm worried about the growing attitude that if one person's side does not win in a democratic election they will start killing people. It's masked in high, shiny language but its straight out of 1859 (or from the streets of Baghdad).

[vooter]

1859 was a very good year....

Love,

Mr. Brown

[HisXLNC]

Beck has never endorsed anyone who has killed a police officer or federal agent.

[vooter]

It's interesting that Chez Pazienza is so vehement about media accountability (and I agree that fearmongers who say absolutely anything at all--factual or otherwise--to incite a crowd should be held accountable), but that he says nothing at all about the elephant in the middle of the room: We have a government that is held accountable for NOTHING. A million innocent civilians killed in Iraq as a direct result of the U.S. government's illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq? No problem--free pass for the U.S. government. A 97% decrease in the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar since 1913, and price inflation of 450% (!) since 1971? No problem--free pass for the U.S. government. Warrantless wiretapping of U.S. citizens? Free pass. No health benefits for 45% of the U.S. population? Free pass. Trillions of nonexistent dollars spent on keeping zombie banks alive? FREE PASS FOR THE U.S. GOVERNMENT.

I realize that most of you will mutter something vague about it all "working out," but it may not work out as neatly and bloodlessly as you'd like. When people are systematically robbed by their own government (and that's EXACTLY what fiat-curre­ncy-fueled inflation does) year after year after year, there's always the chance that the kicked dog will turn on its master--and I believe we're seeing the beginnings of that now. And the bottom line is, Glenn Beck's got nothing to do with it.

Just my $0.02....

[woodrowcall]

The crew at Fox News knows how to drive ratings and the masses love it. Pretty girls, incendiary remarks, did I mention pretty girls? The reason they are the ratings King is because people prefer to hear the truth no matter how scary it is, the NYT buries any story critical of Obama(Leno Gaffe) and people have never been big fans of the media worship that CNN calls news everyday. Fair and Balanced, I don't think so, selective video clips, absolutely. The people have spoken, put the inexperienced saavy teleprrompter prez in the WH and then go home and lament the poor choice with Glenn Beck, Hannity, and O'Rielly. Gun sales went up after Cinton was elected also, not exactly a shocker. A Marine losing it, also not a shocker. The Vietnamese gentleman, outlier. Now if we bring the Gitmo detainees here, then watch gun sales spike. I bought my Glock last year same as most, I don't carry, I just keep because of fears that there will be more limits on purchasing and higher prices because of demand. It makes sense. The anger directed at our public officials crosses the aisle, it is not one sided, but when the s--t hits the fan as I feel that this country is brewing up a new revolution to unseat all of the government officials, ALL the government officials. You'll be looking for an armed person to hang out with. Good luck.

[OLEGAR]

So faux news (noise) is the place you search for accurate, truthful, meaningful and genuine news? I pity you - - - GlenRushMi­chelleBill­oSean and CO are fear mongers of the lowest common denominator. Lying, malfeasance in reporting, slanting and generally doing a disservice to any who choose to watch the drivvle is their strong suite.

[GregorSamsa]

Isn't reiterating a wildly speculative, unfounded parade of horribles fear-mongering itself? Two hysterical rants supporting Pazienza's manipulation: "The FCC does have a job to do and they are sucking at it. I believe in freedom of speech, but when you lie and fabricate everything everyday, you cross the line and it in turn hurts others." (theuberme­nsch.) Only the hubristic "intellectual elite" would recommend going down the rabbit-hole of calling for eviscerating the First Amendment's protection of political speech. Pazienza agrees: "It's reckless, dangerous and immoral . . . to pass fantasy off as fact and do it in the name of making a buck or a political point." First, does Pazienza, contribute his columns gratuitously? Second, his fear-mongering is based on anecdotal, not empirical "evidence" because there is no empirical evidence supporting his feigned terror. Another gem: "We call this group wingnuts who can't be dissuaded [sic] to look at facts, reasoning, or analysis. Most reside in the South, Alaska, and rural areas. These are not bad people but their background and culture is [sic] too much to overcome." ("Fremon".­) I applaud this kind, paternal solicitousness for them what's not had lots of eddycashun, and I'm sure that his careful observation is based on thorough, statistically rigorous data incontrovertibly demonstrating that all those inhabiting "the South (are you listening, Mr. Clinton?), Alaska and rural areas" are possessed of an identical, and monolithic "background and culture" which is sadly far below that demonstrated by Fremon.

[pearl89]

NPR did a story about the lack of ammunition available. Apparently, people are buying lifetime supplies of ammo. They are so afraid the dems are going to take their guns away. They need the ammo to protect themselves­...from what? They interviewed a 69-yr old woman who owns an AK-47. Now that really makes me feel safe...kno­wing this lady has a gun.

I wish there was a way to take all the guns away. Never owned one, never intend to own one. Have never found myself in a position where I thought owning a gun would help protect me. I have been raped at knife point, but I also believe that if I had a gun and tried to use it to protect myself I would probably be dead by now.

[Kelly Lincoln]

I am a crack slingshot. been practicing since I was little. silent, free ammo, and illegal in NYC...

[Ohio9]

Well there are quite a few other crime victims who HAVE successfully used guns to defend themselves. Just because you don't trust yourself to do so doesn't mean you have the right to interfere with others who do.

Anyway, why are you concerned that a 69-year old woman bought a gun? I would say an elderly woman is less likely to misuse her firearms then anyone else.

[knockainey]

Mr. Pasienza thank you very much for writing this. It is informative and pretty scary but it is only by not ignoring these nut cases that people will realize just what they are up against. Sometimes we think if we ignore them they will go away. No, they have been out there for many years, growing stronger and more filled with hatred - an enemy within crying out to be noticed. They must be confronted, as you have.

[Privatepractice]

And God forbid one of their listeners do something to our President the same ones who have incited the violence will be out there asking how could something like this happen and would go as far as blaming the Secret Service for allowing it to happen. There must be some sort of accountability with these folks! Inciting violence might be fun to them but people are being killed because of their words and this will only stop when the families of the victims take legal action to them. Nothing like hitting them in the pockets where unfortunately their hearts are located!

[Austin Holland]

Rick Sanchez did a cool piece on his show on CNN. He gave out the facts and criticized Fox News, mainly Beck and Hannity for their Dooms Day scenerios. Finally someone besides John Stewart is calling them out and saying what sane people see when they hear Glenn Beck and friends.

[Tracy Hale]

I hate to say it, but I hate guns..(I know, a dem who hates guns..shoc­ker).

But I whole-heartedly support the amendments in the constitution.

The thing is, why are the wing-nuts soooo scared of Obama...wh­o started the rumor that he'll take their guns away...its been DeBuNkEd a million times now...what gives?

There can't be THAT many stupid, gullible people in this country, can there?

Or does this, at the core, have something to do with Obama's skin color?

[stateretiree]

This has to do with repubs keeping their base. The way to get some out to vote, that wouldn't bother for anything else, is to warn them they are going to lose their guns!! Do you see any of these people getting this outraged over the molestation and death of a child, I don't!

[djkrlsn]

Look at Obama's record in the Illi and U S senate--he has a long history of supporting draconian gun bans

[citizen of the universe]

A band on assault rifles isn't draconian. Why would you need an AK-47 to hunt, provided you hunt? The irony to this whole conversation is PEOPLE were hurt not animals. There is no need for an AK or any kind of assault rifle for the average citizen. Leave the heavy artillery for the professionals, like our military and police departments.

[historymatters]

the only example of speech I know of that isn't protected by the First Amendment is deliberately inciting people to panic or cause harm. The usual example you hear about is shouting "fire!" in a crowded theater. The U.S. Supreme Court found that someone who deliberately shouted "fire!" when they knew there was no fire, and caused a crowd of people to panic and stampede for exits, would be guilty of a crime. I am not an expert on Constitutional law or First Amendment rights, so I don't know if the kind of speech described in this article would meet the "fire" test.

[historymatters]

NPR had a story about the ammunition shortage on the radio this morning. A huge chunk of demand comes from all the overseas wars. But the NPR reporter (can't remember her name) interviewed a gun shop owner in Texas who claimed that sales at his store were up 30% over last year, and that the spike in ammunition and gun sales started on November 5, 2008, and hasn't let up yet. He said that a lot of his customers were afraid that the Obama administration would take away guns, or reinstate assault gun bans, or whatever. The NPR reporter also said that newspapers across the country have reported ammo shortages in their cities.

It's sure starting to look like the 1990s militia movement is about to make a big comeback.

[Tracy Hale]

wow...anot­her Waco and Ruby Ridge...ho­w....fun?

This just goes to show you...Keep the 2nd amendment alive, but at the very least lets have some psychological examinations first, huh.

[djkrlsn]

We got Ruby Ridge and Waco compliments of the Clinton justice department­--checking your facts is a good thing

[HisXLNC]

This isn't a militia movement. What you're seeing today is everyday citizens, going out and exercising their rights while they still can.