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Words Matter
Author: BobR
Date: 01/08/2011 23:34:12
I heard the news today, good God. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) was shot today, along with numerous other people. Six died, including judge John Roll and a small child. The shooter was apprehended and appears to be a 22 yr old young man.
It's hard to tell what his motivations were, since there is so much contradictory and strange information pouring out from all over, with very little confirmation as to sources. It's too early to discern what his belief system holds, too early to say what his political leanings might be.
What we CAN say is that this was bound to happen. The rhetoric that has been ratcheting up with implied and even overt references to gun violence have become nauseatingly familiar. Consider these:
Here's how Sarah Palin describes the proper approach to political solutions:
There was also this graphic:
(more info here)
There's Michelle Bachmann saying that she wants residents of her state "armed and dangerous" over President Barack Obama's plan to reduce global warming.
Giffords opponent in the most recent election had a shooting event, promoted as "Get on Target for Victory in November Help remove Gabrielle Giffords from office Shoot a fully automatic M16 with Jesse Kelly"
And who can forget Sharron Angle talking about Second Amendment remedies?
All of this violent rhetoric actually worried Rep Giffords who - very presciently - had this to say, after the front window of her home office had been shot out:
Words matter. Violent rhetoric begets violence.
This needs to stop. NOW.
When you hear this kind of talk from a politician or pundit you support (regardless of their political affiliation) or who represents you, let them know you find it unacceptable.
It's hard to tell what his motivations were, since there is so much contradictory and strange information pouring out from all over, with very little confirmation as to sources. It's too early to discern what his belief system holds, too early to say what his political leanings might be.
What we CAN say is that this was bound to happen. The rhetoric that has been ratcheting up with implied and even overt references to gun violence have become nauseatingly familiar. Consider these:
Here's how Sarah Palin describes the proper approach to political solutions:
There was also this graphic:
(more info here)
There's Michelle Bachmann saying that she wants residents of her state "armed and dangerous" over President Barack Obama's plan to reduce global warming.
Giffords opponent in the most recent election had a shooting event, promoted as "Get on Target for Victory in November Help remove Gabrielle Giffords from office Shoot a fully automatic M16 with Jesse Kelly"
And who can forget Sharron Angle talking about Second Amendment remedies?
All of this violent rhetoric actually worried Rep Giffords who - very presciently - had this to say, after the front window of her home office had been shot out:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Words matter. Violent rhetoric begets violence.
This needs to stop. NOW.
When you hear this kind of talk from a politician or pundit you support (regardless of their political affiliation) or who represents you, let them know you find it unacceptable.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Scoopster on 01/09/2011 00:48:26
Scoopster on 01/09/2011 00:48:26
For all the victims of this horrific incident.. from all of us here at 4F
Comment by Scoopster on 01/09/2011 11:47:48
Scoopster on 01/09/2011 11:47:48
A night's rest doesn't make the sting of this go away..
In fact, it brings even more grim news. Westboro is planning to protest the funerals.
In fact, it brings even more grim news. Westboro is planning to protest the funerals.
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 01/09/2011 16:34:20
WHAT?Why am I not shocked.
BTW: Sarah came out with some sort of "statement".... prayers, sadness, etc. Words missing: Condemn or condemnation.
velveeta jones on 01/09/2011 16:34:20
Quote by Scoopster:
A night's rest doesn't make the sting of this go away..
In fact, it brings even more grim news. Westboro is planning to protest the funerals.
WHAT?Why am I not shocked.
BTW: Sarah came out with some sort of "statement".... prayers, sadness, etc. Words missing: Condemn or condemnation.
Comment by 
TriSec on 01/09/2011 16:37:42
TriSec on 01/09/2011 16:37:42
At a simmering boil and not looking forward at all to an afternoon with my Republican in-laws.
This is the day I will get myself written out of their will, and I don't fucking care.
This is the day I will get myself written out of their will, and I don't fucking care.
Comment by velveeta jones on 01/09/2011 16:46:04
I recommend a lot of meditation before confrontation. Also, ear plugs and an internal recitation of a Wadsworth poem to put you in a peaceful place.
velveeta jones on 01/09/2011 16:46:04
Quote by TriSec:
At a simmering boil and not looking forward at all to an afternoon with my Republican in-laws.
This is the day I will get myself written out of their will, and I don't fucking care.
I recommend a lot of meditation before confrontation. Also, ear plugs and an internal recitation of a Wadsworth poem to put you in a peaceful place.
Comment by TriSec on 01/09/2011 17:38:33
TriSec on 01/09/2011 17:38:33
You'll see this on Facebook under my name. I grant everyone explicit permission to share it, should you see fit.
Unfriend me now.
Let me be perfectly frank:
If you listen to Rush Libaugh, read Sarah Palin, or smile in agreement when Sharon Angle calls for "Second Ammendment Remedies", you are dead to me. Nothing I can say or do is going to change your mind, nor you mine.
The fact remains that there are now dead children massacred in the name of whatever it is your side stands for. Is this what the rhetoric is coming to? Words do matter, and if there is a drumbeat of violence, no matter how extreme or misguided those that perpetrate it may be, then those methods are gaining traction and society is becoming poorer for it.
Am I painting your side with a broad brush? The hell I am. You do it to us, so turnabout is fair play. We've sat for far too long listening to how we're socialists, elites, unpatriotic, or that we 'hate America'. How sad to learn that it was your side all along that hates America. Children's blood on the streets of Tuscon is proof enough of that.
So this is it. You agree with this; then push the button. We'll both be better off for it.
Don't get me wrong, I really and truly hope that you find whatever America it is that you are looking for. I just hope it never intersects with my America for as long as we shall live.
(A final word...unlike the rest of the right that posts anonymous screeds....here it is under my name. I have nothing to be ashamed of.)
Unfriend me now.
Let me be perfectly frank:
If you listen to Rush Libaugh, read Sarah Palin, or smile in agreement when Sharon Angle calls for "Second Ammendment Remedies", you are dead to me. Nothing I can say or do is going to change your mind, nor you mine.
The fact remains that there are now dead children massacred in the name of whatever it is your side stands for. Is this what the rhetoric is coming to? Words do matter, and if there is a drumbeat of violence, no matter how extreme or misguided those that perpetrate it may be, then those methods are gaining traction and society is becoming poorer for it.
Am I painting your side with a broad brush? The hell I am. You do it to us, so turnabout is fair play. We've sat for far too long listening to how we're socialists, elites, unpatriotic, or that we 'hate America'. How sad to learn that it was your side all along that hates America. Children's blood on the streets of Tuscon is proof enough of that.
So this is it. You agree with this; then push the button. We'll both be better off for it.
Don't get me wrong, I really and truly hope that you find whatever America it is that you are looking for. I just hope it never intersects with my America for as long as we shall live.
(A final word...unlike the rest of the right that posts anonymous screeds....here it is under my name. I have nothing to be ashamed of.)
Comment by 
BobR on 01/10/2011 01:10:43
*Like*
BobR on 01/10/2011 01:10:43
Quote by TriSec:
You'll see this on Facebook under my name. I grant everyone explicit permission to share it, should you see fit.
Unfriend me now.
Let me be perfectly frank:
If you listen to Rush Libaugh, read Sarah Palin, or smile in agreement when Sharon Angle calls for "Second Ammendment Remedies", you are dead to me. Nothing I can say or do is going to change your mind, nor you mine.
The fact remains that there are now dead children massacred in the name of whatever it is your side stands for. Is this what the rhetoric is coming to? Words do matter, and if there is a drumbeat of violence, no matter how extreme or misguided those that perpetrate it may be, then those methods are gaining traction and society is becoming poorer for it.
Am I painting your side with a broad brush? The hell I am. You do it to us, so turnabout is fair play. We've sat for far too long listening to how we're socialists, elites, unpatriotic, or that we 'hate America'. How sad to learn that it was your side all along that hates America. Children's blood on the streets of Tuscon is proof enough of that.
So this is it. You agree with this; then push the button. We'll both be better off for it.
Don't get me wrong, I really and truly hope that you find whatever America it is that you are looking for. I just hope it never intersects with my America for as long as we shall live.
(A final word...unlike the rest of the right that posts anonymous screeds....here it is under my name. I have nothing to be ashamed of.)
*Like*
Comment by velveeta jones on 01/10/2011 04:07:46
My HERO!! :wub:
velveeta jones on 01/10/2011 04:07:46
Quote by TriSec:
You'll see this on Facebook under my name. I grant everyone explicit permission to share it, should you see fit.
Unfriend me now.
Let me be perfectly frank:
If you listen to Rush Libaugh, read Sarah Palin, or smile in agreement when Sharon Angle calls for "Second Ammendment Remedies", you are dead to me. Nothing I can say or do is going to change your mind, nor you mine.
The fact remains that there are now dead children massacred in the name of whatever it is your side stands for. Is this what the rhetoric is coming to? Words do matter, and if there is a drumbeat of violence, no matter how extreme or misguided those that perpetrate it may be, then those methods are gaining traction and society is becoming poorer for it.
Am I painting your side with a broad brush? The hell I am. You do it to us, so turnabout is fair play. We've sat for far too long listening to how we're socialists, elites, unpatriotic, or that we 'hate America'. How sad to learn that it was your side all along that hates America. Children's blood on the streets of Tuscon is proof enough of that.
So this is it. You agree with this; then push the button. We'll both be better off for it.
Don't get me wrong, I really and truly hope that you find whatever America it is that you are looking for. I just hope it never intersects with my America for as long as we shall live.
(A final word...unlike the rest of the right that posts anonymous screeds....here it is under my name. I have nothing to be ashamed of.)
My HERO!! :wub: