Rep. Gabrielle Giffords appears be the latest victim of anti-government violence that has taken hold in America since 2009. It's a wave of violence that's cresting along with a tide of hateful, insurrectionist rhetoric that far too many conservatives refuse to condemn. Instead, the toxic talk is routinely defended as being nothing more than spirited debate.
It's not. It's deadly. And until those in positions of power say so, the dangerous rhetoric is likely to continue.
Whether that rhetoric played a role in the gun massacre that erupted at the Tucson shopping center on Saturday, we don't yet know. Note that over the weekend the local Arizona sheriff, Clarence Dupnik, condemned "the vitriolic rhetoric that we hear day in and day out from people in the radio business and some people in the TV business," and especially the influence it may have on "unbalanced" people, like the Tucson shooter.
What's undeniable is that the attempted assassination of Giffords took place against a right-wing media backdrop that has been targeting the government, and specifically Democrats, in an unconscionable manner:
* "The suicide-bomber-in-chief, Barack Obama"
* Beck suggests Obama admin might kill "10 percent" of population
* Quinn: "Yes," Obama is "trying to destroy the country"
As facts of the Giffords shooting continue to come in, let's understand what has transpired in recent months as right-wing partisans have rushed past any sense of common decency and responsibility to endlessly attack and condemn Democrats.
For instance, let's recall that last March when Congress was preparing to vote on passing health care reform, partisans in the far-right press denounced the vote in apocalyptic language as they depicted Democrats as monsters who deserved to be physically tortured.
Recall that at the same time, a surge of political violence erupted across the county as Democrats became the target of what were essentially terrorist attacks.
But rather than unequivocally condemn, or even rationally discuss how the violent rhetoric had become increasingly indefensible, and rather than encouraging partisan activists to dial it down before somebody got hurt, conservative pundits urged followers to forge ahead with their calls to arms, even blaming Democrats for bringing the deadly threats and acts of violence upon themselves by voting in favor of health care reform.
Read the entire Media Matters column, here.
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"That Scott down there that's running for governor of Florida," Mr. Kanjorski said. "Instead of running for governor of Florida, they ought to have him and shoot him. Put him against the wall and shoot him. He stole billions of dollars from the United States government and he's running for governor of Florida. He's a millionaire and a billionaire. He's no hero. He's a damn crook. It's just we don't prosecute big crooks."
And then pens this to the NYT's
We all lose an element of freedom when security considerations distance public officials from the people. Therefore, it is incumbent on all Americans to create an atmosphere of civility and respect in which political discourse can flow freely, without fear of violent confrontation.
This guy's face must look like swiss cheese
I fail to understand, why the police are not permantly sat outside the Fox studios, waiting to talk to Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity et al.
How about you change the phrase free speech, into responsible speech.
And if this is "entertainment", as Rush calls it, it is NOT protected political speech and should be treated with utmost harshness. Can't have it both ways, Rush!
Using this definition, Palin, Beck and the other lunatics on the right are terrorists.
And Olbermann just sent out this tweet: "Perfect hypocrisy: @GlennBeck "denouncing" violence while the changing image on his website shows him armed. http://moby.to/4gq1tz"
How long before curfews, lack of headscarves and 'modest' dress, 'proof of relationship' for mixed couples will be enforced by threats of public beatings? This is how 'letting the terrorists win' begins.
Who hates us more for our freedoms - the enemy without or within?
Enough is enough.
When my daughters were young and behaving like little beasts I told them to go sit in their rooms until they could be civilized.
Ms Palin, Mr. Beck: Behave or go sit in the corner. You can come out and play with the rest of us when you can be civil.
Let's stop this nonsense that "both sides" are to blame. Conservatives are trying to hide behind that. No major leader on the left uses language like "don't retreat, reload" or "the second amendment solution".
Inciteful and incendiary language should be condemned where it is on the political spectrum, but it is primarily the RIGHT that is being irresponsible and is primarily to blame.
Who pays him to do that, hmmm?