Palin: Criticism of conservatives will result in violence

[ProSense]

Palin: Criticism of conservatives will result in violence

by Jed Lewison

As Barb pointed out earlier, Sarah Palin's web video on the Arizona shootings contained a clear warning: criticism of conservative rhetoric will result in violence.

But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn.

Given that Palin read her commentary from a TelePrompter, her words were no simple slip of the tongue. Moreover, she issued a similar threat on Monday:

Our children will not have peace if politicos just capitalize on this to succeed in portraying anyone as inciting terror and violence. ]

In both of these statements, Palin outlined a simple scenario of cause and effect: if she or people like her are accused of inciting violence, the result will be violence. Her language was unambiguous. The only question is whether you call it a threat or a warning.

None of this is accidental, it's completely calculated and indicative of exactly why the RW is being condemned. They don't care.

Beck: "But please look into protection for your family. An attempt on you could bring the republic down."

Glenn Reynolds (Instapundit) joins forces with Murdoch to "purport" Palin's status as victim in WSJ op-ed

The Arizona Tragedy and the Politics of Blood Libel

[Jack Rabbit]

1. Does the twit realize it already has? On Saturday?

What do you call that, lady?

Is this what you want, lady?

[The Backlash Cometh]

5. More proof that she's hiding behind a persecution complex.

[Tippy]

Sure sounds like another threat to me........

[ProSense]

15. Criticizing Palin is dangerous. It could lead to her

being selected as a VP candidate, given a book deal, a reality show and lead to the destruction of America.

Who knew?

[Rosa Luxemburg]

20. I thought you were going to say....performing in American Idol

[JoePhilly]

2. Criticism of Palin will result in violenece, but Palin's

use of violent rhetoric doesn't.

And to suggest that her rhetoric will cause violence, is what actually causes the violence.

If she spins any faster, I believe she'll drill a hole in the ground.

[justiceischeap]

3. The question is: Is she aware that's she's spinning or is she completely clueless

to what she's saying. I mean, did NO ONE read that speech and say, "Hmm, we're sounding hypocritical here. Maybe we should scratch that line about rhetoric towards Palin causing violence." Unless of course, it's a call to arms.

[JoePhilly]

6. I think your latter suggestion is correct.

The angry rhetoric from Palin et. al. is intended to keep the crazies on the edge. Ready to storm the Town Hall screaming in anger.

And hey, if every once in a while, a nut goes postal and kills a Dem ... well, that's the price of liberty.

[vaberella]

8. Let's not reward stupidity by labeling it ignorance. She's a 45+ year old woman.

She knows better.

[avaistheone1]

11. I don't think Sarah Palin is a particularly smart person.

For the most part she knows what she is doing.

Unfortunately sociopath is a strong label, but I think Palin is likely one of them.


k&r

[mrs_p]

4. the only violence

i see occurring due to criticism of the right is from the right itself to shut us up. it is their plan, after all. how many times have we (as in the "unreal" or "liberal" americans) been threatened by them over the last two decades. they won't stop until there is more bloodshed. they just can't help themselves.

[TheKentuckian]

23. That is exactly what they mean by such talk.

[vaberella]

7. Yup yup. When you critique her statements...they are 1000% violent and dangerous. n/t

[Warren Stupidity]

9. The use of the term "blood libel" is chilling.

And they are basically demanding that we shut up or we will get a bit more tucson. Is this their 'tall trees' keyword?

[DCKit]

13. Yeppers. A brand new, shiny dog-whistle. nt

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

25. It's also taking the term from Jewish history and making it theirs

They tried to do the same thing with "civil rights," which Glenn Beck & company said was about white people, not blacks. Fortunately this piece of shit didn't stick to the wall.

Each time the neocons use the term "blood libel" it diminishes its impact. The first time you hear it the reaction is, "What's that?" and once you find out it's "God, that's horrible!" By repeating it over and over the Repugs are desensitizing the vast majority of people to the term while sending the coded message to the faithful: "We are the chosen ones who are being persecuted by their lies and attacks upon us. We have the obligation to rise up and fight our oppressors." (That can probably be said in three or four words, but it's late...)

The release of her video was clearly intended to distract from Obama's message. In this sense she is like Osama Bin Laden, who released a video just prior to the 2004 elections to influence the American vote, which it did. Bush took a six point lead over Kerry three days before the election. link

Every minute the media spends on "blood libel" is a minute they don't discuss Obama's message of unity.

[BobbyBoring]

10. I firmly believe

The RNC looked far and wide to find Palin as a running mate for McCain. I think they knew she would kill his chances of winning but would remain on the stage as an agitator of the far right. Not only has she been an agitator, she has also brought many to the cause. Maybe SHE'S the antichrist~

[bullwinkle428]

12. Though she's probably never heard the term "self-fulfilling prophecy",

she's clearly mastered the concept!

[kestrel91316]

14. Well we know that. It's been proven time and time again. They can't take

criticism, and respond to it with violence.

[Thrill]

16. Hide yo wife, Hide yo kids

[NatBurner]

22. lol

this shit ain't funny

but lol

[truth2power]

17. she doesn't know the difference between criticism and

eliminationist rhetoric.

Go away, Sarah!

[Canuckistanian]

18. Do not taunt Happy Fun Palin

(failure to follow this recommendation will relieve The Tea Party of any and all liability)

[lovemydog]

24. Happy Fun Palin may cause sharp chest pain,

severe itching, migraine headaches, projectile vomiting and explosive diarrea. Enjoy Happy Fun Palin!

[baldguy]

19. Stay classy, Sarah!

Your victims aren't even cold yet.

[old mark]

21. She just can't stop herself...what an asshole!...nt

[eppur_se_muova]

26. That reads more like an indirect threat than a warning.

The more her statements are analyzed, the greater the pathology uncovered. It's like peeling an onion.