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Subscribe to RSSCarrie Dann writes: Media coverage of the shootings of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and at least 18 others over the last 24 hours has drawn parallels to wrenching examples in recent U.S. history, from the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy (the gunning down of a charismatic young politician), to the Virginia Tech campus shooting spree (committed by a disturbed young man who left a clutter of disjoined digital ramblings to justify the unjustifiable).
But perhaps the most accessible comparison made in the aftermath of the gun rampage was to the 1995 bombing of an Oklahoma City federal building by a former soldier outraged at the government's handling of two raids on militia groups.
Similarities between the atmospheres surrounding both events were mentioned almost immediately.
On Saturday, Tea Party Nation leader Judson Phillips condemned the attack but warned that liberal voices would immediately blame political forces on the right - as he contends they did in the days after the 1995 attack.
"While we need to take a moment to extend our sympathies to the families of those who died, we cannot allow the hard left to do what it tried to do in 1995 after the Oklahoma City bombing," Phillips said.
With only a sliver of information yet known about the motivations of Tucson shooter Jared Loughner, any lines drawn between the 22-year old gunman and Oklahoma City mastermind Timothy McVeigh are sketchy at best. But the similarities between the political climate of the mid 1990s and now seem plain.
The Oklahoma City bombing - the 15th anniversary of which was commemorated last spring -- occurred not long after a wave election during which midterm voters rewarded Republicans who advocated for shrinking the role of the federal government. The bombing's chief architect, former soldier McVeigh, railed against government intrusion in American life but was spurred to violence after the federal government's siege of a white supremacist's cabin in northern Idaho and a subsequent fatal raid of the Branch Davidian complex in Waco, TX.
The truck bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building on April 19, 1995, killed 168 people, including 19 children. (McVeigh later told biographers that he considered assassinating elected officials but targeted the building instead because he believed that images of the carnage would make a bigger impact.)
Distrust of government, then and now
"What is it going to take to open the eyes of our elected officials? America is in serious decline!" McVeigh wrote in a 1992 letter to a New York newspaper.
Similar sentiments were not in short supply. Between late 1992 and October 1995, citizens' faith in their government had sunk to an all time low, with no national poll finding over 28 percent of respondents saying that they trusted federal authorities.
The lowest point in that era - a Gallup poll in April 1994 finding only 17 percent of Americans saying they trust the government -- was matched in 2008, and trust remains at historic lows among Republican voters today.
National sentiment about the Democratic president reflected that discontent. President Bill Clinton's approval ratings languished well below 50 percent in early April 1995, and, just one day before the Oklahoma attack, the president struggled to argue that he was still "relevant" after the midterm backlash the previous November.
Post-"shellacking" - Obama's chosen word for the beating Democrats took in the 2010 election - the president's approval ratings remain similarly stuck in the mid-40s.
Clinton's reaction
The political implications of the 1995 violence have obviously been on the minds of leaders of all ideological stripes.
The Tea Party Nation's Phillips alluded in his Saturday statement to accusations that Democrats, reeling from the "Republican Revolution" of 1994, unfairly pinned an attack by an unhinged extremist on bombastic right-wing commentators whose gleeful needling of the administration had focused anti-government sentiment.
In a speech in Minneapolis the week after the bombing, Clinton - without singling out any commentators by name -- denounced the "loud and angry" voices that aim to "keep some people as paranoid as possible and the rest of us all torn up and upset with each other."
"They spread hate, they leave the impression that, by their very words, that violence is acceptable," he said.
Radio host Rush Limbaugh responded by accusing Clinton and others of turning a massacre perpetrated by individuals into a means to target an entire political movement.
"Liberals intend to use this tragedy for their own political gain," he said.
In the days after the bombing, Clinton's approval rating jumped five percent, per Gallup's daily tracking number.
At least some voices on the left have noted that the 1995 attack opened the door for then-President Bill Clinton to vilify voices of discontent with the federal government -- a lesson that the White House could draw upon now.
"They need to deftly pin this on the tea partiers," a unnamed veteran Democratic operative told POLITICO, "Just like the Clinton White House deftly pinned the Oklahoma City bombing on the militia and anti-government people."
Near the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing in March of last year, Clinton again ruffled feathers on the right when he cautioned that suspicion of government that has energized some conservatives in recent years could echo the environment that spawned McVeigh.
"There can be real consequences when what you say animates people who do things you would never do," Clinton told the New York Times, adding that the proliferation of political messages on the Internet can activate individuals who are both "serious and seriously disturbed."
Chilling words
In remarks Saturday in the aftermath of the Tucson carnage, Obama shied away from characterizing the shooter or his motivations, and initial indications show that Loughner's anti-government ramblings appear to have been more vague and less targeted than those of the Oklahoma City bomber.
But Americans' understanding of McVeigh's actions and motives are likely to continue informing how the tragedy in Tucson is interpreted, and McVeigh's chilling words will continue to ring in the looming debate over the security of America's elected officials.
"You can't handle the truth," McVeigh told reporters shortly before his 2001 execution. "Because the truth is, I blew up the Murrah Building and isn't it kind of scary that one man could wreak this kind of hell?"
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And what, exactly, are you doing, if not blaming the right for this tragedy?
Are you blaming the school officials who suspended Loughlin pending a letter from mental health officials stating that he was not a danger to himself or others? It seems they had the evidence and insight into this man that could have prevented this tragedy, had an intervention been staged. They suspended him pending psychiatric evaluation, allowed him to withdraw, and considered themselves ex obligo.
How much responsibility do those school officials bear?
Or is the temptation to blame those who are your political opposites too great for you?
It is exploiting this tragedy, and it is beneath contempt.
Instead of condoning this type of behavior the right is celebrating it!
The scum bag Fred Phelps condones it and apparently so do the right winger who participate in the FR forum since we've yet to hear a ONE of them condemn it!
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CB4QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%3Fv%3DQpkxoql4xz0&ei=cx0qTenTF9WRnAfn_oXHAQ&usg=AFQjCNFeNQeggKZlcyyWwO0vp6G19m9R0Q
Like I said in a previous post - the GENIE is OUT OF THE BOTTLE and all the spinning in the world can't STUFF it back in.
Oklahoma City? Whereas the Fort Hood shooting: A psycho used a gun to kill and injure many.
Except that doesn't fit the left's current narrative. It ok, they tried to do the same with the Discovery Channel idiot. Didn't work then, won't work now.
Feisty, that video is horrendous. He is out of his freakin' mind.
Like it or not, the anti-government rhetoric coming from the right for the last 30 years has tainted the public's opinion both right and left about government and government's role in our lives. That is wrong. We do not have to agree with every decision officials make, we can disagree and voice our disapproval or our approval but it must always be respectful; we must reconnect with the idea that government has and must play a role in our democracy.
Like it or not, there are parallels to what happened in Oklahoma City, the incident at Ft Hood and yesterday's tragedy in Tucson. Each was connected to anti-government sentiments whether it was because of government action against militias, actions in fighting wars in Muslim countries or perceived beliefs about politics.
The incessant anti-government rhethoric or words which demonize any person, any legislation, any belief, any religion, any group, any government will ultimately result in violence at some point. Those words have been spoken far too often by the right especially the last two years, the volume was turned up to shrill. Then those who spoke some of those words the loudest and the most often claim the fault was the person not the rhetoric that spoke to the person.
We do not know the details of what this young man was thinking or why he did it. No doubt, he was unstable, had mental issues but the responsibility lies in the voices of those he heard preaching his view and to him what he heard was that he must take action to stop whatever evil he perceived. The discussion now should be about what can be done to stop the hateful and ugly rhetoric to prevent more of these incidents. I would remind Rush Limbaugh and those who deflect and continue to pretend that words have no consequences of this: among the dead was a 9-year old girl who was there because she was interested in learning about government.
Excellent, Jody, and the thought of the young girl dying is sickening.
I don't know about you, but I walk around slowly because of my wartime service. But these right wing idiots who are all opinion and no facts (let alone patriotic service) make me sick! And scared.
Nojo and Muffin. Do you deliberately not see? Neither the wacko in Ft. Hood nor the school officials are part of a coordinated effort which daily spews rightwing hatred, intolerance and, anti government vitriol, in order to sell soap. Are you not clever enough to see who is selling the propaganda. Or does all of this advance your agenda?
Here's the problem. There is no fair and balanced. Turn on your tube or radio. The scumbags spewing hate, and exhorting others to violence are ALL, every last one, self discribed "Conservatives". ALL! Tell me about a liberal with crosshairs on their website, a liberal whose motto for their fans is "Don't Retreat, Instead - RELOAD!" Nope you won't find one. Liberals have not stooped to "Hatemongering as Entertainiment ; a way to get control by pimping to people's predudices. There aren't any liberals wondering aloud for the cameras whether the old, flabby, pink, rich republican Mitch McConnell was actually born in Kentucky. The only ones doing this are self styled conservative "Birthers" and "Tea Party Patriots" who wouldn't recognize the bill of rights if they bothered to read it.
That is today's Republican party. One that brands anyone not a facist as the antichrist. Nelson Rockerfeller and all other moderate (read sane and believing in democracy) republicans would be ashamed! Actually they would be pilloried by these anti-everything-but-me blowhards. I am ashamed.
Wake up people. These thugs, the Limbaughs, Hannitys, Bushs, Cheneys, Kyls, Boehners, Mcconnells are the leaders of the Brownshirts. They are just paving the way for an American Hitler. Who are you willing to ship off to the camps?
Anyone, and that includes the writers of this blog, who exploits this tragedy to ring up political points is beneath contempt.
This was a deranged young man, who was removed from a community college for erratic, violent outbursts, pending a mental health review that showed he was of no danger to himself or others,
He belonged to no political party, save that of "mentally deranged".
His political lean can best be categorized at " crazed".
How do you people sleep at night?
You accuse others of vitriol and hate mongering. What the heck do you call your self righteous finger pointing?
I call it disgraceful.
Look NDD - NJNB STILL hasn't denounced the HATE speech but found the time to bitch out the moderators!
Interesting to see where her priorities lie... still riding her one trick pony!
The one the continues to be beneath 'contempt' is actually the one who refuses to acknowledge responsibility!
Obviously I disagree Patriot (you are either unaware of the JD Hayworth ad with target imagery or have chosen to ignore it, but just go to Kos, it was just a few days ago they said conjured the death of Giffords), but assuming for the moment you are correct, what is your solution? What you are advocating is contrary to the 1st amendment. So no "right wing" people can speak freely?
I just heard an congressman on CNN say he will submit a new law outlawing this type of speech against congress people. How does that reconcile with freedom of speech? How could it possibly be enforced? The first amendment protects just about all speech - you can publish a picture of Jesus screwing a monkey, and that's ok. So now you say you can't put a list of politicians' names on a tv with target sights? And by the way that one example was months ago so there is no causative link.
It is a very slippery slope. Nothing is Fair and Balanced, but then again everyone is charges with thinking for themselves. And Major Hasan hates America, so what shall we do about that?
It is not in the DNA of the GOP/TP to accept responsibility for anything. They never have and never will, it's always someone elses fault.
They only know how to throw the blame around, as long as their vitriol is only directed outward!
Responsibility, Oh no! Just think about those town hall meetings and the anger displayed, folks packing heat, and some of the attendees were given instructions by their 'puppet masters' to be disruptive, shout down the congressman or anyone who disagreed with the mission of big insurance, big oil, FreedomWorks, ...etc.
The GOP/TP needs to OWN their mistakes!
muffintop1
What you are advocating is contrary to the 1st amendment. So no "right wing" people can speak freely?
Oh yea????? Since Sarah had targeted Congresswoman Griffords' district specifically, then why did Sarah take down her site? It had her signature on it, asking for money. We all know how much she loves money and her Constitutional rights under the the 1st amendment.
no joe, no bo, nj
And what, exactly, are you doing, if not blaming the right for this tragedy?
Words have consequences and you words are so indicative of non truths. I so agree with Feisty about your bitching out the moderators!
Perhaps you, Dr No, should start paying attention to your accusations.
Ms. Giffords was among a group of Democratic House candidates featured on the Web site of Sarah Palin’s political action committee with cross hairs over their districts, a fact that disturbed Ms. Giffords at the time.
“We’re on Sarah Palin’s targeted list,” Ms. Giffords said last March. “But the thing is the way that she has it depicted has the cross hairs of a gun sight over our district. When people do that, they’ve got to realize there’s consequences to that.”
WE CANNOT LET PALIN OR A REPUBLICAN BE THE PRESIDENT OF THIS COUNTRY......
Hillary Grassroots Campaign: Rumors..... http://bit.ly/9C2ukY
Let's start a movement to DRAFT HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT. President Obama have lost the confidence of the Liberals as evidenced by the midterm elections. He is not going to win a second term. We need a strong, intelligent and likable candidate in HILLARY. We don't want the Republicans to assert their failed policies in 2013.
Fatah Boom
Let's start a movement to DRAFT HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT. President Obama have lost the confidence of the Liberals as evidenced by the midterm elections. He is not going to win a second term. We need a strong, intelligent and likable candidate in HILLARY. We don't want the Republicans to assert their failed policies in 2013.
Oh yea, if HILLARY was a strong, intelligent and likable candidate then why were her favorables so low during the campaign?
Furthermore, the midterms were about lies spewed from Frank Luntz's "government take over", the Chamber of Commerce funding, the Koch brothers Free"Dumb" Works, Karl Roves American Crossroads, birthers, bigots, Islamophobes, xenophobes, the health care industries lies, and most of all the Republicans' calculated obstructionism to the heath care law to stymie the focus for jobs, jobs, and more jobs.
I'll bet you are a die GOP/TEABAGGER paid to troll here in hopes of Divide and Conquer.
Come back in 2013 and let me know how much your paid efforts, if that's the case, grants you.
Fatah Boom
I'll bet you are a die heart GOP/TEABAGGER paid to troll here in hopes of Divide and Conquer.
Come back in 2013 and let me know how much your paid efforts, if that's the case, grants you.
All of the above actions I mentioned in post #1.13 - Sun Jan 9, 2011 8:51 PM EST done by the GOP/TEABAGGERs including the scam reading of the Constitution, wanting to repeal healthcare and major amendments to it, a rewriting of American history, and the propensity toward the GOP/TEABAGGER leaders to invoke violence makes a republican victory for the White House virtually null and void.
Americans are sick of your expensive tricks.
Pat Boston MA
Feisty, that video is horrendous. He is out of his freakin' mind.
It get worse Pat.
Westboro Baptist Church To Picket Funerals Of Arizona Shooting Victims
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/09/westboro-baptist-church-arizona_n_806319.html
You No Bo are just as much as a monster as he.. You know what this stems from but you don't have the balls to admit it. All this dancing around with words is what led to this attack in the first place.. You are another example of anti-americanism that exist on the far right.. You will all be judged!
muffintop, it wasn't target imagery:
See? All you have to do to accept this is to be as blind as a cave fish and as brainless as barnacle.
The Daily Kos used bullseyes to "target" (their word, not mine) Giffords in the primary. This guy was a registered democrat, so maybe Kos caused him to shoot her?
Feisty, first of all, I hate to break this to you, but even though you're something of a hero to your wacko left wing friends on these First Read sites, your irrational and partisan rantings are consistently ignorant, repetitious, and....well.... downright boring! If there is any blame to place here in this tragedy on someone other than the shooter, it belongs with the liberal jackasses in the so-called justice system who allowed him to roam free, despite the fact that he had - on numerous occasions - clearly identified himself as a dangerous nutcase.
I don't see anything having happened here other than a disjointed, unhinged idiot thinking it a swell idea to manifest his disconnection from reality with violence, mayhem and murder.
The peanut gallery assigning personal political biases to the event merely serves to magnify the tragedy.
Why persist in doing so? The only thing that needs be said by anyone is a statement of hope for Rep. Giffords' recovery, mourning for those mercilessly and unnecessarily cut down and the speedy punishment of Loughner.
Aught else is bile.
Everyone is starting to sound just as crazy as that lunatic...maybe its all this back and forth anger that is the real problem in the States right now (United???? apparently not). It goes both ways guys- this kid was a product of his American upbringing whether we like it or not...
(and as an fyi to one of the posters up here...Republicans aren't anti-government- they are anti-big/excessive government and prefer individual states rights where needs can be more specifically met to overriding national plans...lets be fair here)
Saul Alinsky/Rahm Emanuel "Never waste a good crisis". Shame on politicians and the media for sensationalizing this. When MSN and other liberal outlets show the 2004 map with crosshairs issued by the DNC, then I'll believe they really want to tell this truth. This is a horrible, senseless act carried out by an obviously sick, tormented person. Even without this shooting, the rhetoric needs to change. But, look here, it's probably worse today. If you want change, though, it starts at the top. When our President says the Republicans are the "enemy" and can sit "in the back of the bus", Idon't see that as unifying or civil in any way. And, I've been a registered Dem my entire life!
OH no Feisty and bev and Jody and newday. We have been speaking out about your Hate Speach for well over a year..
We have found that this Lefty liberal Kid, is a Devil Worshiper. he was a supporter of the congresswomen, he read the communist Manefesto, He was a Follower of the "conscious Dream" Crowd a left wing Belief, he hated God.. Once he realized she didnt support all the things he did he blew a Gasket..
When he saw her Reading the Constitution on the floor of the house.. when he found out she was a supporter of gun rights. Was against this Administration suing Arizona over the immagration law. when he foound out she wanted more "troops on the border" He blew a gasket..
This kid is a Left wing hate monger that is a Druggie, had a alter worshiping the devil in his back yard it is so obvious that this kid is more aligned with the LEFT WING LIBERAL HATE CROWD, Not only did he speak hate but he acted on his hate.. The left needs to stop their hatred and there Hate Speech..
NoJo: What you don't understand is that we are becoming an uncivilized society. We are becoming a mob mentality when it comes to politics and there is nothing civil about a mob. That's why the AK47 carrying idiots walking around outside the President's rallies, etc. It doesn't matter which President, it should not occur. Half of the arguments that stir up all this controversy don't even hold water. There is no truth to half the crap that is iterated by (especially Republican) lawmakers and the far right. How much truth is there to "death panels". None. How much truth is there to taking away your freedoms? None. How much truth is there to "jobkilling healthcare bill"? None. It is all rhetoric to stir up the right. The gun sights, the "if ballots don't work then bullets will" mentality of the right is ridiculous. How you infer that this kid is more aligned with the left wing is also ridiculous and you are part of the problem. It is okay to be left-wing, right-wing. You don't have to be hate-mongers and manipulators of the mobs, which is what your side is doing, and then denying any responsibility. The left learned its lesson. The left wing may be angry at the President for no single payer healthcare, or angry at him for capitulating to the right, however, we are not out screaming to shoot those who disagree with us. If you have heard that, then please link to those websites, other than the far right hate-mongering links.
What a bunch of MORONS! The kid was a leftist, he was closer to you socialist idiots then to the TEA Party! The left has no room to take the higher ground, our pres. "the Republicans are the enemy!". She was singled out as dead on the Dailey Kos, 2 days before her murder. Isn't that a progressive (socialist) blog? Pull your heads out of your butts and see it for what it is, a deranged young man out to kill anyone in his way. There are hundreds of murders every day, this is just another example of the moral decay of our nation!
Go back to Nam and finish the job. She was "singled out as dead" by whom at DailyKos? A commentor?
We warned that the deranged would be stimulated by Sarah Palin's rhetoric of crosshairs and "reload". Now that the deranged have done as we predicted, you want to act like you didn't hear the warning and don't want to have to adjust your practices even after this tragedy. He shot Gabby first, not in the middle of some random rampage. He brought enough ammo with him to be able to affect an escape.
First Read
“THANK YOU” for being among the first to speak the truth.
We can only Pray that you will continue to Stand Up For Truth! & that other News/Media Outlets will follow your lead.
I really want those making excuses to listen to themselves very carefully……….here’s what they are saying………………….
“Wait for the truth from this deranged person…………….wait, we don’t know the truth, we don’t know why this happened!”
Listen to your selves!
You are willing to wait for this deranged person to explain to you why he did what he did and you plan to take his word for TRUTH!
America that pretty much says it all!
This clearly explains why we have a “Toxic Political Environment in the U.S.
There’s only one person who know the truth and he’s deranged, yet you are making excuses actually believing that for some reason he will actually tell you the truth, the person who took the lives of 19 Families, those dead and injured!
The 9 year old who lost her life was born on 9/11.
This same 9 year old was killed on another tragic day 9 years later almost to the day.
There is a message here, a huge message.
Some of you spouting this Rhetoric about wait, we don’t know… go to your jobs everyday and do “Proactive Planning/management” to prevent issues and problems!
Yet you don’t apply those same standards to your Country!
We don’t need to know this young man’s motive to know that we have a Significant problem with the “Trash Talking Congress, coming from the RIGHT, in the last 18months
I challenge you to name any incident of this magnitude in the examples you spouting. NONE>>>>>Period!
Someone even had the nerve to say the 1960’s was a problem coming from the left, perhaps they forgot that our President John F. Kennedy was killed and Dr. King……………so much for the left being the problem.
It is readily apparent that those who actually are embedded, invested in this Trash Talking that we all know has consequences even this tragic situation will not budge them, so we can only move on and those of us who really want to see that such a tragedy does not occur, work together to change this country’s Political Toxic Environment the right way.
There are some who will change knowing that it’s time to make changes now not later.
The Congresswoman said it to us all she told her story on Tape during an interview of the consequences to come. She was RIGHT! We choose to Believe Her, these were her experiences yet no one stood up and did anything.
As I said before, we can only “Pray” for those making excuses, because they are truly lost waiting on the “deranged person” responsible to tell them why this happened.
We are a smart country for the most part we know the problem,
we don’t need the doer of the act to explain the short-comings of our own Elected Officials and those who support this “Toxic Environment to explain it to us.
You don't want to wait to hear for the actual shooter, and then we should not take his word for the truth?
Then who's word should we take - yours?
Remember what Obama said after Fort Hood? He told us all not to jump to conclusions. Why won't you listen to him?
Good points, June.
Senator Kyle is trying to deflect any responsibility that the Republicans have for hate filled rhetoric. I hope Representative Giffords survives, has a speady and successful recovery, and runs again him in 2012 for his seat. I will send her money from California. I don't want racist bigots running my next door neighbor, Arizona.
June, Fl
You and I must be be on the frequency.
Those making those asinine comparisons don’t realize the full scope of their dim-witted accounts. Frankly speaking, I am just tired of the vitriolic, false equivalencies, insults and innuendos.
"The hope still lives and the dream will never die".
Senator Edward Kennedy quote
As I said before, looking at Rupert Murdoch’s GOP-TV, sleazy, veneer we cannot deny it has/had given contributions 250,000 to the Republican Governors Association and News Corp.'s controversial $1 million contributions to the Chamber of Commerce and the Republican Governors Association. Many of these foreign companies are our enemies, possibly.
I think it is time for we as a country to mobilize to have Rupert Murdoch's citizenship revoked and have him deported. Rupert Murdoch's foray into the American political debate has provoked domestic terrorism to new found heights. Rupert Murdoch is a far-right hyper- partisan, in my perception, who has used his empire unethically and legally to heave the American political debate to the right for his profit and his idea of political ideology.
Rupert Murdoch is also an enabler of the oppressive tactics employed by dictatorial regimes. Rupert Murdoch, once infuriated China's leaders by stating that satellite-TV systems posed a threat to "totalitarian regimes everywhere." Rupert Murdoch, once infuriated China's leaders by stating that satellite-TV systems posed a threat to "totalitarian regimes everywhere."
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,644217,00.html#ixzz1AYItcGqE
What way can we do this? By voting these hyper-partisans out. Lobby to demand the that unknown money sources comes out of the campaign. Republicans have blocked the Disclosure Act for transparency campaign. The Disclosure Act would not allow foreign and hostile governments to donate to campaigns.
Wow Beverley you really are a moron .... how be we deal with facts ....the only thing we know for sure is that since OBAMA, REID and PELOSI took office the country is more divided than I have ever seen , the language used by our president making anyone who doesn't agree with his far left policies is seen as insignificant, there is more hatred now as our current gov't has thrown us into horrible debt and completely disregarded the will of the people to push through personal agenda's ( The election certainly made a point ) .....These are facts .... you are merely spewing more hatred for political goals ...Please look in the mirror I guarantee you won't like what you see !!!
The first amendment is part of the equation in concerns of government hate. In my view that has been abused beyond belief. So many people abuse that and basically commit libel trying to defame someone else which is criminal. There has to be a balance. However, let's say that Washington does decide to clean up its act with more civility and responsible speech. I think Senator Lopez said it best. You have some of these social networks and hate sites like Topix that don't require registration or moderation and basically allow a free-for-all on the internet. When you have sites like that and no restrictions to provide any kind of protection for politicians and private citizens for that matter, all it takes is some people hiding behind a keyboard and egging on people like the guy responsible for the shootings. In other words, Democrats and Republicans can start being nicer to each other but what are you going to do about everyone else. The problem is not much.
You should always have a high level of security at those types of events. The problem is once again people abuse freedom. Many have a problem walking through metal detectors etc claiming their rights have been abused. Some people think you should be able to say or do anything you want without accountability even if it allows someone's reputation or life to be destroyed. I personally do not agree with that. My freedom ends where yours begins but because Americans want to cry Constitution all the time (and make our forefathers roll over in their graves), there simply is not much you can do until some real laws are set up. I see it getting worse not better sadly.
This has gotten ridiculous. We all need to publicy denounce hate-filled rhetoric. Last night I read foreign reports just to see what other people thought about this. It's clear that the world is starting to see Americans as unbalanced.
"Liberals use tragedy for their own political gain" Rush Limbaugh. Let me help you, Rush, and show you how someone with a modicum of sense would characterize this: No one on either side should be using rhetoric, such as "lock and load, using imagery of cross hairs or targets on Congressional districts, listing the names of the elected officials, inviting people to come and shoot a gun at a rally. No one on either side should be BRINGING GUNS TO RALLIES as it chills the dialog, makes constituents fearful and is in direct violation of peaceful assembly and the right to bring grievances to elected officials." That is how a SERIOUS commentator, a man or woman of principle would treat this. I call of all of you who have been involved in this type of language to immediately ratchet down the rhetoric for the sake of the nation. I fully expect that those who post here be a part of solution, by joining in this statement. No Jo, we begin with you....
Then you better tell Kos, Ed Schultz, Obama and Clinton. It was Clinton who set up the WAR ROOM after all. This type of language permeates our culture. It is not isolated in politics, but is used equally in sports, education, and commerce.
Given your call out, perhaps you should provide us with a list of language we can engage in so as not to offend your sensabilities.
I'd prefer to treat people like adults who are capable of independent thought and who will exercise personal responsibilty.
Well said, newdayDawning.
As for muffintop, well, his/her posts prove there is truth to what liberals say--otherwise, the right would not be so busy pointing blame at the other side in an effort to defend themselves.
The point is Jody, EVERYONE NEEDS TO STOP!
Jody, the only truth is that the guy was crazy. Pointing that out lends no credability to the left's attempt to use this to lay blame. Remember the initial attempts to pin the Discovery Chanel guy on the rigt wing when he was an AL Gore disciple?
Muffintop1, please do not hold your breath waiting for an answer to your question. It does not fit the narrative.
Here is something that everyone on this board should read- including the moderators
http://www.salon.com/news/gabrielle_giffords/?story=/books/laura_miller/2011/01/09/loughner_book_list
If you continue on he page, she actually admits that she was wrong to jump to her original conclusion- that this was a crazed right winger. Seems to be something no one on this board is willing or able to do.
** Obama: “They Bring a Knife…We Bring a Gun!”
** Obama to His Followers: “Get in Their Faces!”
** Obama on ACORN Mobs: “I don’t want to quell anger. I think people are right to be angry! I’m angry!”
** Obama to His Mercenary Army: “Hit Back Twice As Hard!”
** Obama on the private sector: “We talk to these folks… so I know whose ass to kick.“
** Obama to voters: Republican victory would mean “hand to hand combat!”
** Obama to lib supporters: “It’s time to Fight for it.”
** Obama to Latino supporters: “Punish our enemies.”
** Obama to democrats: “I’m itching for a fight.”
What? No links to any of these supposed statements by Obama? Sorry. Not buying it. If you're too lazy to document your 9 claims, don't expect us to believe you.
LOL If you don't know these from memory, you haven't been much of a political junkie the past couple years. I can recite them at will. Don't believe me? Use your little cut and paste on google and they'll all come up. #youknowitstrue
Like I said. Lazy. I'm not doing your work for you. If you can't be bothered, you can't be believed.
Even if they are true and accurate, there is no equivalence in the severity or the deadly results. Sarah has blood on her hands in this tragedy. Civil litigation will prove that to her.
Paul you need to cut the BS.
This is a tragedy and people like you keep shyt going. You are just like Fiesty, newday, navy, etc.....shyt starters...It doesn't even stink until you put your stick in it and stir.
This really pisses me off. Automatically because some damn fool acts out a horrific act; he is right wing......that is total BS. All of this about rhetoric. I hear just as much coming from the left daily; hell you can see it in here.
I'll denounce this shooting for all Conservatives but I am not going to hold what anyone says responsible for this act.
Paul clearly understands civil liability.
Humor us Paul - liable for what tort?
Nice to see with every thing going on... the 'weekend warrior' continues to play with his poop!
Please do carry on... Well at least until the Department of Health catches on and shuts down your BBQ shack for unsanitary conditions!
So does Janet Reno and President Clnton by virtue of appointing her have blood on their hands due to the mishandling the Waco ordeal which caused Timothy McVey to carry out his attack in Oklahoma City?
While in no way condoning the act of terrorism carried out by McVey I think he was sane (as a mass murderer can be) his was a political act, this nut job in Tucson just murdered people, he was and had been anti social and incoherent for quite some time. Any comparison of the two men as far as motivation I think at this time is way off base. I think the more suitable comparison would be Columbine.
While I strongly disagree with the far lefts Vision of America, I consider myself more of a States rights small federal government Jeffersonian I do not consider people who disagree with me as my enemies, your are more well defined as opponents. I wish you all no harm or ill will but I also wish you no luck in the coming elections.
99.9% of the far left and the far right are peaceful citizens who may disagree but I do not see in the near future any of us fighting in the streets.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families in this horrible tragedy.
Our Speaker, John Boehner & The Republicans Cantor and others Scheduled a Vote on the following:
They “Renamed” The Health Care Bill the
“Repeal Of The Job Killing Health Care Bill”
That is “Irresponsible, & A Lie”
All this for “Dramatic Effect” on our citizens knowing that the actual documented name of the bill is
The Affordable Healthcare Act.
Congress has no “Rules” they can say whatever, they want even knowing it’s not true and even lie about the Name of the Bills being addressed.
44,000 Americans die in our country because they can’t afford Healthcare
These are the facts!
So if we were to Call Out The Speaker & The Republicans who have Called the CBO’s numbers “A Lie” when they said repealing the bill will increase the Deficit by $290 Billion but the CBO stated that implementing it will cut the Deficit by Over 1 Trillion dollars over time well………………………………
Most important it will save American Lives.
When American Citizens are not concerned about saving the lives of their neighbors and their fellowman and dismiss their lives as not important, there’s really nothing we can do to help those folk change their minds.
Republicans in essence with the “Job Killing Health Care Bill must realize that translation is
Repealing means More Americans Will Die without Healthcare”
When some in government actually “fights” to dismiss and look the other way when the lives of it’s citizens are at stake, that says it all.
Congress should not be allowed to change the facts based on their Opinions.
The CBO is the non-partisan body that both parties agree it the referee with accuracy that both parties have agreed is the last word.
Yet when the Republicans want to be dishonest they simply dismiss the CBO as “Liars”
Now the American Public those who choose to can believe that the CBO LIES!
So Mr. Speaker Boehner & Cantor We Challenge You To
Call the Affordable Health Care Act By it’s Documented Name
Remove the “Job Killing” from it’s title because you know that’s not the correct name of the bill.
Now Your Turn!
June - nice way to turn a tragic event into a discussion about healthcare. What does one have to do with the other?
disgustingly opportunistic.
Muffintop:
Would you care to condemn the violence? Or just the partisan reaction to it?
June in Fl,
Good post. Simply put, this man yesterday ended 6 lives, the Republicans want to end 44,000 annually. No patriotic American Christian should want that and yet that is what Republicans claim to be.
The shootings were terrible. THat is well understood by all. And now we have "compassionate" people like June and AnaB using it to criticize a political group. Where is the possible justification for that?
Do you, bilweeler approve of the left's partisan reaction? Do you find it appropriate based upon the facts that are currently known? If you do, tell us why he targeted Giffords. Was it because of Palin and the rest? How do you know? Palin's targets were months ago. If that was the cause, why the delay.
Is it possible the two are totally unrelated?
Muffintop:
Condemnation of violence is not " well understood by all." If you don't say, I don't assume it. And frankly, there are those among us who tacitly or openly endorse bullets over ballots.
It doesn't matter whether I approve or disapprove of the left's "partisan reaction." We (NONE of us) do not have enough information to form a rational opinion at this point. And I haven't.
At this point, the shooter is obviously unhinged and going away for a very long time. His motives may never be known. In the end, HE is responsible for his actions and for the lives he has taken.
What I can say without reservation, however, is that the inflammatory vitriol that passes for political discourse is shameful. Whether it also incites violence is debatable, but even if it doesn't, it's still shameful.
Adults should take responsibility for their actions, including irresponsible inflammatory rhetoric. Palin, for one, has made such rhetoric a staple of her stealth campaign for President. Now would be a great time for Sarah Palin to show some real leadership and publicly set an example...one that dials back the dialog to a civilized tone.
Maybe I missed her statement showing that kind of leadership. If so, please point me to a link...
The So-called nonpartisan CBO, used info given them by the Administration to form their thesis. Heck nobody read the bill until it was passed by ONE party.
Did the bill write itself? Someone had to read it while they wrote it.
November Election and you point is............................? and you would do well to tell the truth, because some of what you printed is simply not the Truth!
Once again the problem!
However, thank goodness no Cross hairs, the opponent Gabby's opponent actually had the people come and shoot an M16 to target her and they actually participated
This am. on Meet the Press The Tea Party told opponent
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz reminded us this a.m. on Meet the press she was told the following by the Teaparty
The Teaparty said, “They would use Bullets if Ballots didn't work”
Also, Republican newly elected Allen West had almost hired a staff member who had said they would use bullets if ballots didn't work
You actually know the difference when those running for office and those in office use Incidenary Language you can pretend but you know.
In any event, we are praying for you
Be Blessed
Jared Loughner read the published works of Marx and the National Socialist Hitler, Loughner does not believe in God, he smoked marijuana, and is not a Right-winger. This anarchist would be more accurately compared to the WTO rioters/protesters or the Leftist radicals from the 60s who wanted to overthrow the government. Is collective amnesia or partisan bias promoting this one-sided argument/article?
It is then latter.
It is disgraceful.
Had these people any character, they would be ashamed of themselves.
They have none, so are not.
From what CNN just reported, his last words were Goodbye Friends - I haven't been able to speak with a "literate" person in - {I can't recall how long he said it was}.
I don't think we can pin him down politically. First of all, he was only 22 years told. He seems to have been back and forth on a number of issues - agree/disagreeing with both left & right. He was into this "Gold Standard" argument for quite a while as well. It was reported this morning that just a few weeks ago, he had wanted to kill a policeman.
22 years old.
Still waiting for you to condemn the rhetoric, no jo.
Yes, liberals fought a revolution to overthrow a government in 1776; the conservatives sides with England. The left-over radicals of the 60's? Any of them in the news lately other than when dragged into the spotlight by campaigns? You don't even make sense any more. Liberals are labelled by conservatives as the party of big government. Have you already forgotten the conservative "government takeover" chatter--taking over Government Motors (GM), Govt Health Care, Govt Banks, etc. How then can liberals be considered anarchists? Anarchist: one who rebels against any authority, established order, or ruling power. Liberals cannot be both anti-government and pro-government at the same time. Sorry, but it is the the right which now advocates the anti-government ideals but their reasons are far less honorable than declaring independence from England or demanding an end to war in Vietnam.
Pat, thank you for your post. You are the first democrat I have seen, ( and that includes the moderators) who gets the truth- this 22 year old, almost certainly suffering from mental disease, was failed by a society more interested in protecting his " rights" than himself or others from the harm he caused.
NDD, and, for that matter, Fiesty- this is the very last time I bother to address either one of you:
Take your Alinsky rules for Radicals, cut them into paper dolls, and play by yourselves. Using them during a political campaign was a cute trick that worked exactly once. Using them during this tragedy exposes you as the despicable human beings you are. You think you will have any resonance at all now, having exploited this tragedy for your own political ends? If you do, you are purely delusional.
As the day has gone on, more has been revealed about Loughner- none of it links him to the right, the TEA Parties, Palin, or any of the others you have vilified for the last two days.
This tiny faction of the left, and, yes, that includes the writers of these two hit pieces, will continue their loathsome exploitation, no matter the evidence that arises. So be it- but understand you fully deserve the contempt you receive as a result.
Is that another empty promise of yours or another threat!
Can't speak for NDD - but all I can say is good riddance Granny!
Sorry if handing your hate filled rhetoric doesn't come wrapped in a giant bow and fancy wrapping paper!
BTW: You're still a liar and a fraud! And I for one will continue to point that out at every time it's applicable!
Funny thing is YOU are the only poster on FR that's been called OUT on multiple occasions by the moderators for your outreageous LIES & bullsh!t!
Just like the energizer bunny - you take a licking and keep on ticking!
Same is said of you and your ilk - keep defending this vitriol but in the meantime do take notice that YOU are in the minority!
Good luck WITH that!
Feisty: incredible, isn't it? I asked no jo something completely reasonable, quoting me, since I am THAT interesting: "I call on all of you who have been involved in this type of language to immediately rachet down the rhetoric for the sake of the nation." I asked no jo to join in that call. She refuses to do so. As if that isn't bad enough she goes off on some nonsense rant, using the only name she knows "Alinksy" a person that she seems to be inordinately fond of and attacks you and I. One can only draw this conclusion: no jo believes that her cause is served by those who use violent imagery and she does no want it to stop. Which is disappointing, but not surprising. But, Feisty m'dear...however will we survive if (sob) no jo won't talk to us anymore? Though it must be difficult for her to always look the fool.
This is what our country has come to. A national tragedy has occurred and we should all be coming together in thoughts and prayers. Instead, the third post of the first story jumps to blame an entire people for the actions of one, opening the floodgates of profiling, generalizations and blanket accusations.
No Joe is one of the few who has tried to be rational, stating the obvious – the shooter is crazy, deranged, and belongs to no political party. No Joe – I can imagine your head feeling its about to explode. You are trying so hard to express reason with the unreasonable.
What has happened to our country? President Obama declares the Republicans the enemy. Ordinary citizens exercise their right to be heard at town halls and Pelosi insinuates they are nazis. Sarah Palin and Daily Kos use crosshairs and bulls eyes over graphics of the opposition. Harry Reid dismisses an entire demographic of Americans and predicts their demise. Alan Grayson declares Republicans want people to die. I don’t listen to Rush Limbaugh or watch Keith Olbermann but I can only imagine what they have said in the past. Even Carrie Dann writes about the parallel between this mentally ill person and McVeigh. Carrie, is it truly your intention to help stoke the fire that will divide our nation? We can’t make it illegal to voice opposition, but for heaven’s sake, our leaders have to lead by example and consider the consequences over what they say.
The regular left on this board are so full of hate and intolerance, caddy and pitiful. I pray for Feisty and NewDay and even Beverly. I can’t imagine going through life so callous and intolerant. In light of this national tragedy, we should start talking with each other – not at or against each other – and that could start right here.
And now comes the ever pompous and arrogant, not to mention long winded Candice. I always forget that we must make things simple for you Candice, so let's reduce this down to the bare minimum. Do you agree that people on BOTH sides of the aisle need to get the violent imagery out of the debate? No, that is still pretty complex, trying again: yes or no, Candice, you shouldn't put cross hairs on people. "I pray for people" how very superior Candice, except you're not ? I feel very sorry for you and how ignorant you are.
"They need to deftly pin this on the tea partiers," a unnamed veteran Democratic operative told POLITICO, " Is this another crisis that shouldn’t go to waste? I am so, so afraid for this country.
NewDay challenged posters to describe the kind of government they want. In my ideal America, we would have a government that recognizes that there are people on the right, there are people on the left, and there are a bunch in the middle – all of them Americans. Elections wouldn’t be won by 51% to 49% tallies – we’d have candidates and elected officials who empathize and understand all sides of all concerns of all Americans and work to find solutions for all, not just groups, or parties, but for the people. We would have officials that would be so reasonable, thoughtful and honest they would appeal to citizens on both sides and in the middle. Campaigns would focus on what’s good about the candidate – not what’s evil about the opponent. Representatives and Senators could walk among their constituents without bodyguards, and constituents could voice their opinions calmly and rationally and without fear because they would know they would be heard and not ridiculed for their thoughts. Tragedies, unjustifiable and horrendous acts would bring the sane people of the country together, --not salivating over a political opportunity and not at each others throats.
NewDay, I do. I do feel so bad for you - that you are so sad and mean all the time. I wonder, I do, why that is.
Since you obviously did not understand what I wrote, I will say it again very, very plainly for you: I do believe that people on BOTH sides need to get the violent imagery out of the debate.
Finally a straight answer...so if we make it very simple for you Candice, even YOU can get it. I wonder why it is Candice that you must present yourself as better than those of us who actually walk on earth. You, my dear, are a fraud, and a boring one at that. "You are so sad and mean" Get over yourself, Candice. What bothers you is that I see through you.
Okay, NewDay. Let me ask you a question. Do you think people should be able to voice their opinions calmly and rationally without fear because they would know their voices would be heard, their point of view considered and they would not be ridiculed for their thoughts?
People should be able to express their opinions. But, having expressed them be prepared for feedback. Giving an opinion does not preclude someone else challenging it. If you are sensitive to that, simple remedy. Do not post on public boards.
Its the republicans fault and their leader Rush and Palin allowed all this is happen ...So lock and reload ? what next Palin your responsible for the death of a child !! I hope the grim weeper of the house uses this to turn the other republicans against you
Wake up and smell the coffee, D!p s#!t!!!!! You're still dreaming!
"conscience dreaming" ?
1st of all. Do you think some posting here can not use 7 lines of emptiness between points? Is that supposed to be something dramatic to show how intelligent you are? It's not working. You make yourself look childish. 2nd. i've seen the posts of the comments Obama made during the last election cycle. I have not seen any Democrat, liberal or progressive refute those statements. Everyone in America knows at this point that it is the Radical Left Manifesto. When a goverment controled by a super majority of Democrats lock the doors and not allow any Republican any debate we have a major problem. When our attorney general drops charges against the New Black Panthers for voter intimidation when a summary judgement has already been put in place. We have a problem. When the Rev, of the church our President attended for 20 years is allowed to state "G-d Da-n America" and our President says he never heard any of that. We have a problem. For the last 2 years the far left has been in charge of this country. It's time to center this country and work together. It was the democrats who 1st used the "bullseye" on Republican districts. Yet most on the left ignore that fact. Da-n the far right and da-n the far left.
 I'm sorry, but frankly i'm not surprised that a U.S. Congressperson has been shot and innocent people killed in the process. What I am surprised about is that it hasn't happened sooner. And I won't be surprised when it happens again. What else can you expect when the the seeds of fear and anger and helplessness have been so wantonly sewn; and people are encouraged to carry guns to open assemblies; and encouraging violence as a solution; and encouraging disruption and shouting during any attempt at discourse? And all of it backed up by propaganda instead of facts? Congress, especially the right, has led by example and continues to justify that example by it's "No Compromise" stance. As has been demonstrated, it doesn't take much to tip the unbalanced over the edge. So, let's stop this nonsense now. Congress, you guys have got to start working for the benefit of the people. You guys have created this situation-fix it!
I am very disapointed with my friends in the Tea Party. As opposed to being introspective at this time they are totally defensive. Every post is about why people should not blame them. You see not of this type of defensiveness from the left.
EVERYONE, should be introsppective and ask themselves. What could they do differently to prevent such a tragedy. How can we use different metaphones, different language, behave and act differently. T
Many peope warned of this type of incident including Gabb herself. It is time to take heed of her words.
Hello nadeem! Of course the left is not being defensive. They are in full attack mode. Which quite frankly has become their motto.
jpecorel: If you mean no compromise with the far left radicals of this administration. Then your statement is correct. MLK would be embarassed by the statements of never waste a crisis, cause anarchy and the criminal element this administration has associated it self with. Again, it was the Democrats who locked the Repulicans out. Talk about NO COMPROMISE!
Jim, "No Compromise" is quoted from Boehner, McConnel, and just about every Republican in Congress. Look, going into Right vs. Left doesn't get anyone anywhere. It's just a distraction from the real problems facing this country. An atmosphere has been created in this country that has potential to cause these kinds of outcomes. This toxicity can only end up with more sadness. The continued pursuit of division will not solve a thing. So, I say to you as I say to Congress--Stop it Now--unless more needless bloodshed is the goal. . . . .
If you want to talk about the 1960's, be sure and include President Richard Nixon. He wanted to blow up the Brookings Institute - or was that in the early 1970's? Do you suppose innocent people would have been killed if there wasn't intervention by some real grown-ups who said No, you can't do that. FYI: It was in fact John Dean who told the Administration - No.
Nixon was the freakin' President and he was on board with this idea; an idea which came from I believe Liddy.
The Sheriff more or less condemned the right on The Hooter's Fox Network. Fox tried to soften his comments, to no avail..Wake up Fox,you and some of your host are part of the problem....
The fact that the Tea Party is issueing 'Political Talking Points' and saying that 'Clinton used Oklahoma City to get realected dont let Obama do the same' shows how dispicalbe they are. Who would write such letters at a time like this?
Completely wrong..You're taking it out context...
AMERICANS!!!! Of course it is!!!!! If you are also a student of history, you will also see substantial similarities with The Founders of this Country, and those Individuals and Groups responsible for most of the Revolutions and/or take back of various Countries through-out history!!! It seems that when a country becomes a (2) Two Class System, (i.e. The Wealthy/Priviliged/Corrupt Vers. The Poor and Middle Classes etc.). A Revolution is created, to take back the Country and/or Government, by the People!!! WELL!!!???, I ASK YOU ALL!!,.....WHAT DO WE NOW HAVE HERE IN THE U.S.A.!!!!??? WAKEUP AND EDUCATE YOURSELF ON WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE!!!!!!???? GH
Gary I'm not sure I understand your post at all. Are you saying that over 50% of this country are the wealthy/privilliged/corrupt? Because as you and everyone else has seen Obama's numbers are in the 40's.
Jim, you really are a fool. You are part of the problem. I'm done with these posts, because I'm sick of reading dumb comments like yours.
jpecorel: Well when you can't defend your position I guess it is time to quit posting. 1968 Democratic Convention. The Convention was more famous for what happened outside the venue than inside. The protest riots, led by Jerry Rubin and Abby Hoffman, are the stuff of legend; when anyone thinks of this particular convention, they think of the Chicago Seven.
Those same radicals are back today bigger than ever.
I don't know if Laughner had access to mental health care or if he would have found a gun even if it were not so easy to get but maybe he would have been helped or stopped if either one of those two things had happened. Maybe, if there was not so much hate rhetoric he would not have been tempted to do what he did. Who knows but he is mental, that is for sure. I think it is time for all of us to be more thoughtful in how we look at life here in the US.
Maybe we need our representatives to work for us and not just the special interests for a change. Maybe health care needs to be looked at as being necessary for the public good and not just a luxury that is for those who can afford it.
Here is the other thing that should come from this. Mental Health treatment should be on parity with physical health treatment for all insurance plans. There is no excuse to refuse to cover treatment, especially since we know so much more about pathology than we used to. People in difficulty need to get to a doctor and that treatment needs to be covered. Further; there is a point at which you must be able to require treatment of adults who are showing this level of distress. That does not mean that they need to be locked away, but it certainly means that they need to see a professional.
I thought I read where Ms. Giffords was tough on immigration. If that is true, I thought that was also what Republicans and Tea Party people believe. Why would a conservative-minded person want to harm someone who supported what he/she believed? On the other hand, there are liberal people out there who want to bring in illegal aliens and would not be happy with Ms. Giffords. Those Obama quotes mentioned previously are real and those who think they are not are sadly uninformed or perhaps hiding the fact that those cause the most harm are those who are the most liberal.
Sarah T.
No, Ms. Giffords was not tough on illegal immigration. Whenever pressed about her position on amnesty- she would him and haw and never answer. I know, I personally sent emails to her on this subject and always got political doubletalk.
And yes, she recently voted for the Dream Act that not only allowed for those illegals who attend college or in the military (up to the 'young' age of 35) but also provided amnesty for their parents. In effect another ruse to try to fool the American citizenry.
She did talk about securing the borders but they all talk about that. That is pro forma political double-speak.
However, she was no unthinking ultra liberal. A very nice person at all times and it is such a tragedy that this mentally ill young man did this.
And yes, this is a mentally ill young man, not a right winger, not a left winger. I have total ccontempt for those (Paul Krugman, Dick Durbin, etc. etc. etc.) who try to use this tragedy for their own political gains.
All right wingers are mentally ill. It is called sociopathology. "Reload" rhetoric implies that shooting 31 times isn't enough, you need to slap in another magazine and keep firing, take down as many as you can, 9 year old girls and all.
Although Cross Hairs Palin made an initial comment,it's wise that she stays put in Alaska and remains quiet.
Many of us here on First Read (Democrats) have gone after the left when we felt they were going too far. I know I myself have on numerous occasions, to the point where I have turned off their programs and left their websites for a while. My heart was telling me that whatever they were saying at the time, they did not represent in any way what I felt as a Democrat. It was a difficult thing to do, but I felt things were getting out of hand. I support President Obama and could no longer listen to what I thought was a concerted effort to bring President Obama down politically. It was difficult to listen to and read every single day. Negativity was ruling the day, despite the hard work this Administration was doing.
Last night during Keith Olbermann's Special Comment he said that those of us in the Democratic Party who felt that if the left, which included him, were going too far in their language, then we should speak up. I was surprised to hear him say that. No one in the media ever says that. They don't like to be challenged for the most part. That one message from him has stayed with me all day today. I thought he and many hosts on MSNBC were no longer interested in what Obama supporters thought.
So I was happy to hear a responsible member of our media say point blank that he felt he had crossed the line and he apologized. And asked that his viewers speak up when and if we feel it is continuing.
It has been a tough two years for moderate (which I didn't realize I was) supporters in both parties. On one left wing site, one person who is disenchanted with President Obama said something along the lines that the President Obama supporters on his site hopefully will be put in seats at the back of the bus. I couldn't believe a Democrat would say that to anyone, let alone an Obama supporter. When you read between the lines, you see that many on the left neither like nor respect Obama supporters. We see them on tv all the time now. Some of them have expressed a desire to join the teapartiers.
GOP supporters here on First Read I don't recall ever questioning the right's tactics. They only go after President Obama and the left. Do they not realize the horrific language their own party is using? This will only stop when they disown it. The right do not care what Democrats feel. They respect no one's opinion but their own.
Please Republicans, take a page from what Keith Olbermann said last night. We all, as one, need to stop the violent rhetoric. From wherever it is coming from.
If you don't support President Obama, fine. Not everyone does. But the nastiness has gone way over the top. Don't put up with it. From anyone. In either party.
Bravo, Pat, brilliant as always.
fox gop hate news network destroying america.
Now thats funny...can you get more left then Olbermann?