A tragedy in Arizona. A reminder to keep our political discourse moderate.
MSNBC talks to Rep. Gabrielle Gifford about the death threats, vandalism and harassments. Aired 3/25/10.
“Sarah Palin has the crosshairs of a gun sight over our district and when people do that, they’ve gotta realize there are consequences to that action.”
2 comments:
I am not sure how much political rhetoric really played a part in this instance. When a guy who is clearly disintegrating as a personality and has access to a Glock 9mm he is a clear and present danger to society. He was drawn to the largest crowed he could find and clearly intended to make the largest "statement" he could while expecting to be killed in the attempt. He wrecked incredible damage in the process.
I think the rhetoric has a lot to do with it. When people listen day after day to a group being demonized and blamed for all their problems it has an influence especially on those who are already unstable. If you study the rhetoric of the Nazi's leading up to the holocaust, you wonder how Hitler was able to lead a whole country to commit mass murder or what happened in Rwanda as late as the 90's.
This is not to say that all conservatives would condone violence. Many of my friends and family are conservative and they are good, kind caring people. However, I have heard some of the same points that were made in the irrational statements of this killer from them.
We need to be careful what we say. Words do have consequence.
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