Posted on 12 Jan 2011 at 10:40pm By GavinoSarah Palin is right to rip into those blaming political rhetoric for the Tucson shooting. Early reporting set the tone of the debate, erroneously speculating that the gunman was a Tea Party supporter and implying that this was a far-right attack on Democrat Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Leading conservatives were unceremoniously indicted by liberal commentators like Paul Krugman for creating a “culture of hate”.
Since when was supporting the constitution "right-wing"...?
Liberals instinctively blame the American political “far-right” whenever a shooting occurs, either as trigger-puller or inciter. Liberal minds are obsessed with the idea of a great right wing conspiracy. Hillary Clinton even blamed one when her husband’s infidelity undermined his presidency.
“Far-right” and “extremist” labels are thrown around by left-wing media advocates to lump together the Tea Party, Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck with the exaggerated and sinister notion of secret anti-government militias. Writing in today’s Washington Post, the openly socialist columnist Harold Meyerson claims that: “The number of self-proclaimed right-wing militias tripled – from 42 to 127, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center – in 2009 (and that doesn’t count those that are entirely underground).” But the equally liberal SPLC simply lists local patriot groups, some using the militia moniker, most of which are so sinister that they have websites publicizing their activities. The SPLC is careful to note that: “Listing here does not imply that the groups themselves advocate or engage in violence or other criminal activities, or are racist.”
Unlike the violent World Bank protesters, anarchists, socialist workers and other participants at left-wing rallies, conservative gatherings and demonstrations have been entirely peaceful and good-natured. Far from collaborating on insurrection, tea partiers even take away their own litter. Powerful radical militias planning an uprising are figments of the liberal imagination.
And what dark future awaits the country if conservative personalities like Palin, Limbaugh and Beck get their way? Democratic government, a greater emphasis on personal responsibility and a smaller federal bureaucracy. Shock, horror! Balanced budgets, free enterprise, support for the U.S. constitution and secure borders can hardly be thought of as authoritarian or politically extreme. Instead, it is liberalism that is steeped in authoritarianism because the power of the state is needed to redistribute wealth in the ways that the left feel are justified and necessary. Private property can only be confiscated through coercion.
As the reporting of the shooting demonstrates, liberal media advocates seem to be permanently looking for ways to damage and impugn America’s most effective articulators of a non-liberal way of life. Palin, Limbaugh and Beck appeal to large numbers of regular Americans because they are so good at critiquing liberalism, unmasking it where it masquerades as compassion, and can demonstrate its destructive and bullying characteristics. They are targeted specifically to undermine their message and credibility, at home and abroad. And even if they aren’t intimidated, liberals believe voters will be.
The mainstream media inquest into Jared Loughner’s shooting rampage goes on. The killer was beset by mental health problems and politics was not the motivating factor in his attack.
Loughner paid no attention to talk radio or Republican politicians. Perhaps more people should.
One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn’t belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?
These are the lyrics to a song sung on Sesame Street while children were shown different items and they had to decide which item doesn’t belong.
Apparently the researchers at the SLPC are heavily influenced by Sesame Street and want people to decide who’s a racist and who’s not from their list of “militias.” Painting with such a broad brush to identify people is known as stereotyping and profiling and is considered taboo by the left – unless it’s used to denigrate and isolate people they disagree with.
As you state, and is now almost universally agreed with, politics and right-wing talk was not the motivating factor for the Tucson shooting. If you go on the web you’ll find people from both the left and the right in somebody’s cross-hairs. It is a metaphor that is widely used.
I do agree that this is a good time for everybody to take stock of what and how they talk and write. Mr. Krugman, Mr. Olbermann and others who are trying to exploit the Tucson tragedy for political gain have not set a good example. Now that Sarah Palin has rightfully defended herself we can now try to deal with issues in a more civil manner. We all tell our children that just because Johnny gets to do something that doesn’t mean that they get to do it too. Tit for tat politics to score points accomplishes little.
Many Americans who run for office truly wish to make a difference to make their country the “Shining City on the Hill” for all to see as an example of how life should be around the world. There are many who are extremist (left liberals) who’s sole reason for holding public office is to rule over others and impose their will on the majority of the nation despite the views of the nations that they are either conservative or moderates. These people area danger to our way of life and the laws given to us by our founding fathers and our God. Yes, I said God. We do not belong to the state but to our father almighty who has given us life and our ability for free will. Those on the left have conspired to take away our constitutional rights and our relationship with God. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance and to act when wrongs have been done.