An act of political intimidation — from the left
There’s an effort to brand conservatives, Republicans and tea partiers as culpable for the stupid death threats that a handful of idiots are making to some members of Congress. That effort has the same intent as the death threats: intimidation.
It should go without saying that death threats are unacceptable in this situation, just as they were when George Bush was president. But if it needs to be said, well, I just said it.
It is, however, also a calculated act of intimidation to smear an entire political movement as a bunch of dangerous lunatics on the basis of a handful of actions. I do not recall the same people who are now so worried about anti-ObamaCare threats also wringing their hands about the entire political left’s culpability when, for instance, some idiot shot up a Bush-Cheney re-election headquarters in Knoxville or ransacked one in Orlando, or attacked a GOP office in Raleigh, or vandalized Bush supporters’ homes in Madison, Wis. (H/t Instapundit)
In fact, click through the link to the Knoxville story, and you get a good idea of the Democratic notion of who’s to blame when the left attacks:
Knox County Democratic chairman Jim Gray called the attack “despicable.”
“I can’t imagine what kind of thinking inspired it or maybe what amount of alcohol,” Gray said. “My second thought is, maybe it was just someone who got tired of their darn Kerry signs being stolen.” (emphasis added)
You see? When the left attacks, it’s because some guy just got a little drunk — or, even more despicably, to use Jim Gray’s word, it’s because, well, Mom! The Republicans started it by stealing my John Kerry sign!
Today, however, these threats are described as the responsibility of all Americans who spoke out against ObamaCare. And why is that?
Well, given the constant effort to brand the right as racists, fascists, and now terrorists — oh, wait, I forgot; we were already branded as terrorists by this administration — one gets the impression that it’s a concerted effort to discredit the left’s opponents and intimidate Americans from outwardly supporting the tea parties and Republicans.
Sound conspiratorial? Any more conspiratorial than the notion that the millions of tea partiers in America are motivated chiefly by racism, rather than the president’s policies?
There are a few hotheads out there who need to cool down and remember that there are still democratic avenues for opposing ObamaCare (as an overwhelming majority of Americans — including two-thirds of independents — tell pollsters they want Republicans to do). There are even more talking heads who need to stop fanning the flames by casting the blame more widely than it belongs.
***
UPDATE: Anatomy of a racial smear
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132 comments Add your comment
CrazyInGA
March 25th, 2010
10:43 am
Get real, the people who show up at the Tea Party and Republican rallies have shown their true colors on many occassions. Unsavory individuals seem to follow your party “around” from event to event.
Also, I guess that nut job in Alabama is just some crazy individual. Nope, he has been a part of a larger movement for years.
Road Scholar
March 25th, 2010
10:46 am
Poor Kyle. Out of ideas for a column? No matter the source, degree of threat, or intent of implementing the threat, anger and intimidation has its limits. Regardless ALL intimidation is wrong. Talking over people and insulting them is wrong (Yes, I have been guilty of both). It is interesting that the greatest country in the world has lost any semblence of respect and manners! And this is not a political issue.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
10:49 am
Road, I think we actually agree here…
Political Mongrel
March 25th, 2010
10:52 am
Baloney, Kyle. Look at the number and virulence of the incidents. What happened under Bush is nothing compared to what’s happening now.
retiredds
March 25th, 2010
10:52 am
Kyle, come on now. This has been brewing for a long time now. Your favorite party has given a few slaps on the wrist to the crazies. When have they called a news conference and said in the strongest words possible that the behavior by the crazies “will not be tolerated” and they will be purged from the party and any groups affiliated, even if loosely, to the Republican Party. When will the leadership take on the ranting and raving of Rush, Beck, Coulter, et. al. and COMPLETELY distance themselves from them by saying, “you do not represent the Republican Party and we totally denounce your inflammatory language and acts”. Until that happens they will remain the party of “no” and viewed as obstructionists.
WAW
March 25th, 2010
10:53 am
Admitting that the “far right” has reached the pit of the “far left” does not speak well of the Evangelical, Patriotic, Wrapped in the Flag, Corporate Republican. It only means that if the chart was a circle instead of a line, the left and right would be together, Newt handing hands with Cynthia (not too hard to picture since that act so much alike).
chris barry
March 25th, 2010
10:54 am
When’s the last time anyone on the left blew up a federal building, pal? Or shot up an abortion clinic?
Exactly. Damn, what passes for political discourse in the United States is ridiculous sometimes. It’s genuinely embarrassing. No wonder the rest of the world sees us as buffoons.
The Anti-Wooten
March 25th, 2010
10:54 am
You are correct about one thing, any of the violence in intolerable no matter who and what side of the arguments they come from. I was in DC for protests and there were many signs about that could be interpreted as calling for the death of Bush but many courts have ruled those as free speech. Throwing rocks, bricks or what have you at the other sides property is illegal and should not happen.
All of that being said, one of the prime arguments that I’ve heard over the last couple of days is that “Oh it’s probably leftists doing it just to cast blame on us”. Stupid is as stupid does and that’s doing stupid at a whole new level.
The right has screeched, screamed, cried and Becked to the point that it’s getting out of hand. Just now I read of a direct threat some rightwing nutter tossed into Jay’s blog (while admitting ownership of an illegal weapon). Kyle you would do great service to call upon your fellow fringers to put down the bricks.
Je m'appelle Bombon
March 25th, 2010
10:57 am
Give it a rest. We’re talking about an entire movement, not “a few hotheads out there” you moron. Conservatives are vile. Using the “n” word at and spitting on Congressman John Lewis? Must have brought back memories of Selma for the Congressman. Conservatives have nowhere to go but up. They’ve hit rock bottom.
DannyX
March 25th, 2010
10:59 am
Here’s a challenge for you Kyle. Turn off the filters. Just for one week. Turn off all the filters on your blog that edit out all the racist, homophobic, and nasty language.
Have Cynthia Tucker do the same. Then write a big story on how bad the Democrats are, and what model, God loving souls the Republicans are. You know, make things up.
Peter
March 25th, 2010
10:59 am
Gee……… Cheney never intimidated anyone Kyle ?
The udder side!!!
March 25th, 2010
11:00 am
Kyle,
When you apply this kind of spin to an argument that is as serios as life and death, you do a disservice to this bog and the movement that you profess to support. You can down play this and try the finger pointing tactics if you like, but understand that when, and I mean when, someone is hurt or killed, those like you that minimize will have some amount of blood on your hands, and there will be a cost to pay for inciting the idiots among your followers, instead of holding them accountable for behavior that is clearly out of bounds and boarders on criminal!!!
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
11:00 am
Thanks for representing my point, Bombon.
Road Scholar
March 25th, 2010
11:04 am
Good morning Kyle. I do beleive we agree, but the manner the threats are being addressed is insufficient. Don’t just point out the idiots on the left, but as shown above, more numerous and more vile and violent have the recent hreats been. And one was exasperated by Boehmer’s comment …He is a dead man.. when referencing a neighboring Congressman.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
11:09 am
Spin, udder? The spin is by those who say everyone who opposes ObamaCare is responsible for the actions of a few, and by extension brand all the opponents as dangerous. This is textbook political intimidation.
Saying that doesn’t excuse the idiots. As I wrote, if you bothered to notice, death threats are unacceptable and the people making them need to stop. But this “blood on your hands” nonsense also needs to stop. Do you really expect people to calm down when conservatives condemn these actions, if the left is simultaneously smearing all of its opponents? Don’t you see that these smears are escalating things, not de-escalating them?
DannyX
March 25th, 2010
11:14 am
The actions of a few?
Take me up on my challenge Kyle. Open up your blog for one week free of all filters.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
11:21 am
Road, I’d agree that it’s dumb to say things like “dead man,” even if obviously referring to someone’s political fortunes, in this kind of atmosphere. But I also find it hard to believe that someone heard that and decided to phone in a death threat.
There are some idiots out there. They need to be condemned. I’ve never been at a rally or meeting and met people who seemed like they’d condone this sort of stuff. I didn’t blame all liberals, or all Democrats, when anti-war types did stupid things, in spite of the heated feelings that some liberals and Democrats held about the war. All I’m saying is that the same lack of broad culpability applies here.
retiredds
March 25th, 2010
11:22 am
Kyle, I repeat, the smear campaign has been building and your Republican leadership has done very little to stop it. As I said above how about if the leadership, i.e., Boehner, McConnell, Newt, and the RNC hold a news conference in Prime Time and firmly, strongly, take a stand. Here’s what I have in mind: banish the crazies from the Republican Party. Force them out!! Tell them they are not wanted. Tell them to form their own party, the crazy right wing party. The Dems should do the same with their crazies. Then we can put the crazies from the right and the left in a big arena, say the GA Dome, and let them duke it out. I’d pay $200 for a ticket to that event.
Oh, and also, could you speak with the governor and Newt. GA’s most immediate need is a comprehensive transportation bill. They can deal with the health care suit some other time. Take the money to be spent on that side show and hire back some teachers.
CJ
March 25th, 2010
11:24 am
“There’s an effort to brand conservatives, Republicans and tea partiers as culpable for the stupid death threats that a handful of idiots are making to some members of Congress. That effort has the same intent as the death threats: intimidation.”
A few hotheads?
It started with racist and anti-gay slurs on Capitol Hill by multiple people with the surrounding crowds laughing and cheering them on. It led to a Democratic congressman being spat on. These same crowds were egged on by Republican lawmakers standing outside on a Capitol balcony holding a “Don’t Tread on Me Flag” and cheering and applauding inside for protesters who were resisting arrest. Before long, opponents of health care reform were vandalizing lawmakers’ offices. Then a gas line was cut at a lawmaker’s brother’s house. Yesterday, nooses were faxed to Democratic lawmakers. One Democrat received an anonymous voicemail message that said, “You’re dead. We know where you live. We’ll get you.” If the goal of the Republican base was to send a terrorist-like signal to Congress, officials have heard it.
What do Republicans expect to happen? They’ve told confused, misguided activists that health care reform is a “totalitarian” scheme that attacks our “freedom” and represents the “end of America as we know it.” The policy breakthrough is, as several GOP leaders have put it, “Armageddon.”
When Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele demands that Pelosi get “ready for the firing line,” the GOP base gets the message. When Sarah Palin tweets that activists should “RELOAD” and her Facebook page shows 20 gun sights over Democratic lawmakers, some of whom are colored in red, the GOP base gets the message.
And now we’re seeing the results of Republicans’ irresponsibility.
Jess
March 25th, 2010
11:24 am
Mr. or Ms. Bombon,
I think you just validated Kyle’s point. You have no idea what the political affiliation of the N word shouter was yet you just blamed an entire political party for the actions of one.
The Anti-Wooten
March 25th, 2010
11:26 am
Kyle, you may not personally have blamed all Democrats who protested the war but it remains that many rightwing members of congress, the Bush admin., and nearly all of the rightwing punditry said clearly “If you’re not with us you’re with the terroroists”. So that would make you the reasoned exception, something that I’m having difficulty buying.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
11:27 am
DannyX, that’s not my call — it’s a company-wide policy. What I can tell you is that I can see both the comments that are blocked as well as the ones that are allowed, and I’d be surprised if there have been even 25 comments blocked because of their invective during the 6-7 months I’ve been blogging. By “invective” I’d include gratuitous, profane comments — the majority of which are directed at me, not in support of me.
Would more people make those comments if they knew they’d get through? Possibly. But let’s say 50 different (anonymous, remember) readers made vile comments; would you really see that as a broad representation of one side or the other? I know I wouldn’t — in large part because I know the number of people who comment on the blogs are a fraction of the number who read them. And I find it hard to believe, with the anonymity granted on here, for better or worse, that the extremists are staying silent.
jt
March 25th, 2010
11:27 am
Kyle-
Thanks for your balance.
To be on the safe side, I would be looking for alternatives in your present medical care insurance.
Maybe Costa Rica.
The Anti-Wooten
March 25th, 2010
11:29 am
Jess, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that the N Word shouter was NOT a Democrat. Glenda Beck has infected your psyche.
DannyX
March 25th, 2010
11:30 am
This is the strategy the GOP decided on. No way they could run on their record. Scorched earth is all they had. Now it is burning them.
From the Tea Party, to Sarah Palin, talk radio, and now the internet sites. How funny would it be to dress up as a telephone repairman and attempt to bug a Senator’s phone!
I have been warning about the downside of this strategy for months. Now Republicans are getting burned by it and are attempting, once again, to shift blame.
Yes the wonderful world of Republican politics. Like bipartisanship. In the Republican world bipartisanship only applies when Democrats are in charge.
When can we expect the Republicans running our state to ask for bipartisanship? Lol. Who ever heard of such a thing.
DebbieDo Right
March 25th, 2010
11:30 am
Kyle what you are talking about and sneakily abdicating is terrorrism in the extreme. You point your fingers and say “[he] was obviously referring to someone’s political future” and then don’t remember your recent history. Okalhoma Bombing by Timothy McVeigh fed on the “obviously” racist rants of the Turner Diaries. WHen you pretend that words don’t matter you make a mockery and a LIE of the journalism profession, or common sense for that matter — if you don’t believe that the pen/words is just as mighty as the sword, then why do you post your “musings” daily? Just to see yourself in print?
Stop hiding behind lies, distortion and revisionist history. Your “tea party” members are unhinged. UN HINGED — and they are acting as they did in the 60’s when Civil Rights for all was made into law. Call it like it is — not how you want it to be.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
11:38 am
retiredds: Fine, let’s ban the crazies from both parties. Who are they? How do you ban someone who acts anonymously? (If they are identified, they’ll be arrested of course.) I’d be willing to bet that the kind of people you’re talking about don’t belong to either party, because they’d view them as too moderate.
This is my whole point: We are not talking about either party’s “base” here.
CJ: I’d invite you to read the article I linked under “Update” at the bottom of the post. There were any number of cameras at that rally — everything political these days is filmed by both sides; remember “macaca”? — and yet no one has produced a video which includes that slur. Exactly one person, not Rep. Lewis but a different Congressman, says he heard it. Look, I can’t deny that it happened, because I wasn’t there; but neither can I, nor anyone else it seems, confirm it. I’m not even suggesting the Congressman is lying; he may have thought he heard it. But I really find it hard to believe, in the YouTube age, that this was “shouted” — the Congressman’s word — and no one caught it on tape.
If a new tape emerges, I’ll stand corrected. In the meantime, you and others are branding an entire segment of the population as culpable…all while decrying polarization.
Jess
March 25th, 2010
11:39 am
About a year ago Jay wrote an article condeming the fact that somewhere in Miss. or La. a scarecrow with an Obama sign was found hanging from a tree. He blamed this on the confrontational climate the republicans and talk radio had created. I pointed out to him that Bush had been hanged and burned in effigy many times usually to cheering crowds, and basically Jay denied it had happened, and asked for proof. Within minutes posters had found over 1000 web sites with film and pictures of these events, and Jay had to issue a rare apology for saying they didn’t happen.
The point I take from here is that the media had not covered these events so no one remembered them. The media and it’s selective coverage drives most of the political discourse in this country and it’s dangerous.
The udder side!!!
March 25th, 2010
11:40 am
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
11:09 am
There you go again… I did not not say that Everyone that opposes HCR was responsible…that is you attempting to cloud the issue. What I said is that in a lot of cases, What the right side talking ( and writing) heads are doing is beyond opposition and has moved towards inciting the crazies on your fringe. And yes, When you see where this is headed and you choose to do nothing to try and stop it, you and those that dismiss do bear some of the burden of making it happen. and for the record your lame ass condimnation is a poor sheild…The lives of members of congress and their families deserve more that one tired line.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
11:40 am
Debbie, how many tea parties have you attended? You speak with such first-hand experience and expertise.
DannyX
March 25th, 2010
11:41 am
Some of us have been here longer than 6 months.
I for a fact, have seen with my own eyes why the ajc.com has had to completely revise its blog policy.
If you want to pretend, so be it. There is a reason the ajc.com had to reduce the number of blogs that follow news stories. Why don’t you do some real investigating and tell us why this policy has changed. I have seen countless blogs closed, overrun by sickening comments. You might want to do some research, there is plenty of proof in your own offices.
Interview Cynthia Tucker, one brave soul, about the crap she gets emailed on a daily basis. Then tell me how that compares to the mean ol liberals.
retiredds
March 25th, 2010
11:42 am
Let’s just put it this way. Kyle, you can’t defend the indefensible, period. In other words, there is no rationalizing despicable behavior and vitriolic speech. I use my words intentionally to underscore that language and how it is used is critical, whether the words are stated or placed upon signage. AND the crazies on the right are equal in low-life stature as the ones on the left. To speak more plainly they are two sides of the same coin.
DebbieDo Right
March 25th, 2010
11:47 am
Kyle – it’s called television – I’m sure you’re aware of it.
PS: I noticed you didn’t address the “meat” of my post about words inflecting as much damage/destruction as acts by “inciting” the act. That’s why there are LAWS against it.
JD
March 25th, 2010
11:47 am
Does Erick Erickson know you copied his column?
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
11:47 am
What would you have me do, udder? Round up a posse?
I’m not trying to be sarcastic. But I do think it’s easy for you to blame me for what people unknown to me, and who have in all likelihood never read a word that I’ve written, have done. So, do tell. What should I do other than condemn them?
Glenn
March 25th, 2010
11:48 am
I really felt like a public option would have brought down costs . I feel like if I would say that in a Kroger I would get hit with a can of peas but that is neither here nor there . As far as intimidation from the left, it would be better than making a squinchy face & scurrying away like the liberals usually do . When people like Sarah Palin say we need to ” not retreat but reload ” , she is basically insighting violence. You can spin it anyway you want Kyle . This needs to be made an issue so someone is not killed . View it as intimidation all you want but that really isn’t accurate . This woman was on your parties presidential ticket last year & is a big part of your parties movement . Her words need to be brought to everyones attention . You think that the gulf war set republicans back Kyle . Let one of these fringers kill a politician for their views or vote on healthcare . If that happens , “smear ” won’t be needed for decades .
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
11:49 am
JD: You mean the one he posted half an hour after what I wrote? (And no, I’m certainly not accusing Erick of copying me.)
Or maybe you think we got the same briefing from the evil RNC. Because there’s no way that two like-minded people can arrive at the same conclusion.
DannyX
March 25th, 2010
11:50 am
“and I’d be surprised if there have been even 25 comments blocked because of their invective during the 6-7 months I’ve been blogging.”
That of course proves my point. You have had only 25 posts blocked. I included Cynthia Tucker for a reason. She probably has 25 blocked per hour. Can you imagine her email.
You need to finish the story and interview Cynthia Tucker. You had only 25 comments blocked, how many has Cynthia had blocked?
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
11:50 am
Thanks, Debbie. And I’m sure you were watching FOX.
CJ
March 25th, 2010
11:53 am
You’re right Kyle. They don’t have it on tape, so it’s reasonable to give these protesters, who walk around with signs that say “Warning: If Brown Can’t Stop It, A Browning Can.”, the benefit of the doubt. It’s more reasonable to assume that Congressmen and others who work on the hill are lying about the name calling and vandalism. I’m sure the death threats are concocted as well. They played some of the voice mail messages on television last night, but that’s probably just a scam by members of Congress in a desperate need for attention.
It takes a lot of gall to get your base worked up with an unending pattern of violent imagery, and then accuse your political opponents of intimidation when they ask you to stop.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
11:53 am
retiredds: Where’s the defense in what I wrote? I said it as plainly as I could: It is unacceptable. I’m defending the people who are being blamed wrongly for those unacceptable actions.
retiredds
March 25th, 2010
11:56 am
Kyle, defending the indefensible is a losing proposition. You may be right about the crazies, but I don’t buy into that argument. As I stated above this just didn’t drop out of the sky over the last few days. The toxic brew has been bubbling along for months now only to boil over recently. What I don’t understand is why the Republican leadership does not seem interested in doing something bold and dramatic to let the crazies know, in no uncertain terms, they are not only wrong but “we don’t want you at our rallies. The vitriolic words are not just shouted, Kyle, how about some of those signs we have seen? Why don’t the rally leaders have them torn down or taken away? Methinks you are trying to rationalize your side’s position. Whether its a crazy on the right or a crazy on the left, root them out!! I think with modern technology and some effort on your leader’s part they can begin to i.d. these folks. But you have to have the will to do so.
RJ
March 25th, 2010
11:56 am
“Sound conspiratorial? Any more conspiratorial than the notion that the millions of tea partiers in America are motivated chiefly by racism, rather than the president’s policies?”
There is a valid point in that most tea partyers are protesting government expansion. The hypocracy though is why did it take them so long? I didn’t see the tea party movement when Bush never saw a spending bill he didn’t like, or back when Clinton or Bush Sr. were increasing government spending with their policies.
I’m not saying the tea partiers are racists. I wouldn’t make an unfounded claim like that. But if they had been in full force during the Bush administration too, they’d have a lot more credibility. Based on their actions (or lack thereof) it appears that they are possibly protesting the man rather than the policy.
DebbieDo Right
March 25th, 2010
11:57 am
Kyle – where else do the loonies hang out? My favorite of course is Beck. On the eve of Obama’s inauguration he made a comment how Obama was a “racist”. How many other “legitimate” (supposedly Beck is legitimate), TV Hosts make statements like that on telelvision? Hint: Not Jerry Springer and he’s supposed to signify “trash” TV.
Beck’s own words: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/28/fox-host-glenn-beck-obama_n_246310.html
The udder side!!!
March 25th, 2010
11:59 am
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
11:47 am
Your condimnation is weak and rings hollow…You can find pages of words to describe you dislike for HCR and you can go on and on about why it is bad ect. and we can have a real honest and respectful debate regarding those points. And you and I both know that the loonies are getting their points and Ideas form right side talkers and Republican mouth piesces like yourself. If you were sincere in your condemnation, you would be as passionate about stopping the madness as you are about your dislike for the POTUS.
retiredds
March 25th, 2010
12:02 pm
Kyle, I think I know where you stand. You are as upset as I am about this. My point is, you and I and others can write our opinions here. What needs to happen is the Republican (and Democratic leadership too) leaders must decide that they are going to put as much effort into stopping this behavior and verbal garbage as president Obama did in getting health care passed. It takes a continuous, strong, and in no uncertain terms, denouncement of this, over, and over, and over, and over, till the crazies get the message.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
12:03 pm
Let’s see, Debbie, maybe Keith Olbermann calling George Bush a fascist
http://bit.ly/9gKbBx
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
12:04 pm
Fair enough, retiredds, as long as you acknowledge this is easier said than done, for both parties.
DebbieDo Right
March 25th, 2010
12:05 pm
kyle:retiredds: Where’s the defense in what I wrote? I said it as plainly as I could: It is unacceptable. I’m defending the people who are being blamed wrongly for those unacceptable actions
How about being SINCERE in your words? That might be the first step. Also by saying basically, “yeah they were wrong BUT Johnny did it TOO!!”, is juvenile. And by authoring a column that says that the DEMOCRATS are the ones advocating wanton violence is hypocrisy in the extreme. IMO of course.
Gandhi
March 25th, 2010
12:06 pm
Kyle this is the most lame crap you’ve ever tried to foist upon us. Typical of you to play the victim here. The difference in left and right wing kooks is the right-wing is fed a pack of lies 24/7 via talk radio and Fox. The new conservative strategy is to Swiftboat every issue they don’t agree with. I have said it for a while now: the blood of any violence will be on ALL of the hands that have participated in this slanderous discourse. If the shoe fits, wear it. But you can’t deny that the Republicans have hoped to benefit from whipping up the fear factor.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
12:06 pm
No offense, Debbie, but I think you have misconstrued what I wrote in every way imaginable.
DebbieDo Right
March 25th, 2010
12:06 pm
Beck called Obama a facist too. You can do better than that.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
12:07 pm
Folks, I have to break away to work on something else and won’t be able to respond quickly for the next hour or two. I’m not going to send all comments to moderation — yet — but I will not hesitate to do so if need be. Thanks.
Fix-It
March 25th, 2010
12:09 pm
All intimidation is wrong, unless it is coming from the left, then it is called something else…what do the lefties call it? People standing up for their rights? What a double standard the left has…
Hay que derecho
March 25th, 2010
12:11 pm
Wait a minute. Is this Maxine Water’s “no justice no peace” Democratic party calling someone else terroristic?
DebbieDo Right
March 25th, 2010
12:12 pm
kyle’s words: It is, however, also a calculated act of intimidation to smear an entire political movement as a bunch of dangerous lunatics on the basis of a handful of actions. I do not recall the same people who are now so worried about anti-ObamaCare threats also wringing their hands about the entire political left’s culpability when, for instance, some idiot shot up a Bush-Cheney re-election headquarters in Knoxville or ransacked one in Orlando, or attacked a GOP office in Raleigh, or vandalized Bush supporters’ homes in Madison, Wis
Still think I misconstrued what you wrote?
Hay que derecho
March 25th, 2010
12:13 pm
Ghandi,
Speaking of swiftboat and John Kerry 2 men that served with Kerry supported him while over 100 men who served with Kerry came out in the swiftboat campaign against him. Are 100 men all lying and only 2 men are telling the truth about his service? Try to use some logic here when you think about this sir.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
12:13 pm
If you think that passage equates to my saying “the DEMOCRATS are the ones advocating wanton violence,” then yes, Debbie, I do.
DebbieDo Right
March 25th, 2010
12:18 pm
Kyle when you get a chance why don’t you check your headline again? Perhaps one gets the message that the Dems are really the evil ones. Just saying……….
DebbieDo Right
March 25th, 2010
12:19 pm
Have a good day everybody. I’m off to another long boring meeting.
DebbieDo Right
March 25th, 2010
12:21 pm
Hay Sus – how many of the men were paid, how many were affiliated with the Republican Party and how many of them did it as a personal vendetta? Not to say that they weren’t telling the truth……but if Kyle can correlate Dems saying the Repubs are wrong for not criticizing their base, then hey………… just saying………
Jefferson
March 25th, 2010
12:22 pm
You are judged by who you run with. So why does Islam have such a bad rep? The grumpy old people need a new approach as their bedside manner sux.
Chris Broe
March 25th, 2010
12:25 pm
Kudos to Kyle for his measured reply to Cynthia Tucker’s cyberbullying blog today which unfairly painted the entire Right as ruffians. Kyle’s caution serves as the voice of reason today. Cynthia has been inciting cyber-riots for some time now by highlighting and exaggerating over-publicized incidences of impolitesse by a few mutants who may or may not be from the Right.
Kyle rightly brings up the question: Can we hold a whole party responsible for the reprehensible retorts from a few representatives? For if we do, doesn’t that jeapordize our right to assemblage and free speech? And if our polling protocol is suspect, then isn’t that an indictment of our bill of rights?
Well, say what you want about Kyle, but he’s not going to sit there and listen to Cynthia Tucker badmouth the United States of America!!!!
THE BEAR
March 25th, 2010
12:26 pm
Why were the most vile comments at the rally directed at minority groups. I did not hear the terms white trash, cracker, or redneck directed at anyone. Because the n and f word were used makes me conclude that bigots were the main players in the mob. The GOP leadership censor any member of their party that did not denounce such comments asap.
@@
March 25th, 2010
12:32 pm
It should go without saying that death threats are unacceptable in this situation, just as they were when George Bush was president. But if it needs to be said, well, I just said it.
And good for you, Kyle. It’s also a good thing that Cynthia Tucker submits her commentary from D.C. and you, from here in Atlanta. Her contribution today neglects to acknowledge that any and all is wrong. As is too often the case, liberal columnists neglect to apply forethought to previous malice before taking up their “pen”. For them, history begins today.
I’m of the opinion that politicians deserve public ridicule…they invite it, in fact or lack thereof. Our military, whose only commitment is to our safekeeping? Not so much, yet liberal anti-war leftists have no compunctions of conscience for inciting murderers to kill young recruits.
Yup! guilty as charged on more than one occasion and conveniently forgotten by the left.
I’m so mad I could spit nails. I’ll make sure no one is close buy when I do tho.
THE BEAR
March 25th, 2010
12:33 pm
Sorry, the word should was left out of the last sentence. Insert it after leadership.
Chris Salzmann
March 25th, 2010
12:35 pm
Kyle,
All the incidents you pointed out were from the 2004 election. These incidents happen during nearly every election, from the left and the right. That point I think needs to be clarified. HOWEVER, that said, when you look at intimidation and threats of violence and actual violence taking place after an election, then the Right Wing extremists have that corner locked up. Just look at some of the worst domestic terrorist incidents in our country i.e the Olympic Bomber and Oklahoma, both were carried out by Right Wing extremists. One just needs to preview the sound bites coming from Right Wing Talk Radio and Television, and anyone can see where the fuel is coming from to feed these flames.
hatin' on the stupid
March 25th, 2010
12:36 pm
Kudos to Kyle? You got it wrong today, CB. Kyle leads his article(sic) with “Intimidation from the left”. Sounds more like “war is peace” and other such nonsense to me. The Republican party has bullied themselves into a corner on this one and only they can change that. But yet Kyle makes them the poor victim here. Disgusting.
Ragnar Danneskjöld
March 25th, 2010
12:38 pm
So strange, just a few days ago the editor of this newspaper was telling us that we would all grow to love Obamacare. Now that it is actuality the leftists affirm that widespread violence (in reaction to their wonderful legislation) is the primary political force in America today. Think I will get a bumper sticker that says only “REPEAL.”
Jefferson
March 25th, 2010
12:41 pm
Tea puppets !!!
hatin' on the stupid
March 25th, 2010
12:42 pm
“Think I will get a bumper sticker that says only “REPEAL.”
You get the votes to repeal, knock yourself out Ragnar. It’s called democracy. What were discussing here is the tactics of the right.
A CONSERVATIVE--
March 25th, 2010
12:42 pm
ABSOLUTELY NO PROOF ANY Conservative…or member of the TEA PARTY movement is involved in any threats….NO PROOF WHATSOEVER…
JF McNamara
March 25th, 2010
12:43 pm
Why didn’t you write a post criticizing Sonny for wasting our money on the health care suit? If the other states win, the law will be repealed for Georgia too. Its just a dumb waste of money at a time that state in having budget problems.
Am I misunderstanding how this works? Does Georgia have to sue to reap the benefits?
Chris Salzmann
March 25th, 2010
12:45 pm
On the funny side, here’s a headline about Health Care Reforms that might give some insight into the roots of Republican issues concerning President Obama.
http://www.visualeditors.com/apple/2010/03/headline-fail/
Read and enjoy…………………………..
Linda
March 25th, 2010
12:49 pm
The 9/11ers are similar to the Tea Parties. At the last meeting we attended Dr. Deborah Honeycutt spoke. She is running for US Congress against David Scott in our 13th District. She’s a Christian, an independent Republican, a physician, married to a physician, a small business owner, a lady, gorgeous, gracious & just happens to be black.
Please visit her web site & support her whether you live in her district or not.
Whether they’re Tea Parties, Keg Parties or 9/11ers against big government, the participants are from all parties & all races.
Ragnar Danneskjöld
March 25th, 2010
12:51 pm
Dear well-named Hatin’ @ 12:42, actually I think the tactic we are discussing here is the old socialist “big lie.”
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
12:52 pm
JF McNamara: My understanding is that the legal work is being done pro bono by private attorneys. That wouldn’t have been the case if the AG’s office were involved, of course, but it isn’t, so it’s a moot point now.
CJ
March 25th, 2010
12:54 pm
“ABSOLUTELY NO PROOF ANY Conservative…or member of the TEA PARTY movement is involved in any threats….NO PROOF WHATSOEVER…”
Proof: http://thinkprogress.org/2010/03/20/code-red-gun/
Notice the sign: “Warning: If Brown Can’t Stop It, A Browning Can.”
Left Wing
March 25th, 2010
12:56 pm
Is Kyle trying to equivocate an act of vandalism (which is illegal, of course and also reprehensible) with death threats? Or with death threats against their children? I find the scale of social justice somewhat out of balance on this.
You’ll have to try a little harder, Kyle.
Anyone (AKA Sarah Palin or Rush Limbaugh) who promotes the violence and then actual violence occurs (and we all hope it won’t) should be held criminally liable. These Tea Party people who post addresses and pictures of the families children and advocate for violence should be charged just as if they committed the crime themselves.
These are the lowest of the low.
Real American
March 25th, 2010
12:58 pm
Get real Kyle, the tea party protestors are motivated by nothing more than the skin of the President. That’s it, that’s all.
@@
March 25th, 2010
1:00 pm
Posted this at Bookman’s….thought I’d drop it off here too.
Rep. Cantor’s Richmond Campaign Office Shot at Overnight
Damn leftists! Tell me, was it because Cantor is Jewish or was it because he’s Republican?
hatin' on the stupid
March 25th, 2010
1:02 pm
What big lie might that be, Ragnar?
hatin' on the stupid
March 25th, 2010
1:05 pm
“…actually I think the tactic we are discussing here is the old socialist “big lie.””
Maybe you’re referring to the big lie that Obama is anything more than a centrist president who has his detractors left and right.
DannyX
March 25th, 2010
1:06 pm
Wow, Kyle! It will cost this state to sue no matter what. The court costs, research, and expenses for this suit will be huge. Maybe the resident Constitutional lawyer can fill you in.
CJ
March 25th, 2010
1:07 pm
“…At the last meeting we attended Dr. Deborah Honeycutt spoke. She is running for US Congress against David Scott in our 13th District. She’s a Christian, an independent Republican,…
Impossible. “Independent Republican” is a contradiction in terms.
Amy in the ATL
March 25th, 2010
1:12 pm
Regardless of what the issue is, using violence, or the threat of it, to advance your agenda is wrong. The fringe element of the Tea Party movement (and I’m hoping it’s just the fringe element) is out of line in shouting derogatory comments to elected officials and threatening to burn Nancy Pelosi at the stake (which is pretty much what those posters are trying to say).
When the left has acted similarly, like during the Vietnam protests, they likewise were completely out of line.
But recently, as a Democrat, I will say I have personally encountered several instances where I have felt physically threatened where I have disagreed with a hot-headed conservative. The Iraq war was particulary bad, and many of us Democrats in Georgia have wisely chosen to keep our political commentary to ourselves, which can be difficult when the blowhards in the office or at parties love to cross the line and say all sorts of outrageous and morally reprehensible things about folks we support, which yes, frequently include threatening or generally inappropriate language.
I think Fox News bears a lot of the blame here. They fan the flames of the slightly off-kilter in ways which really have no comparison in any of the left-leaning media outlets.
And don’t even try and say that there isn’t a little bit of racism going on here. I am a native Southerner, and have ALWAYS stuck up for the South when folks talk about how backwards we are. But it’s becoming a lot harder for me to defend my native state when there seems to be a resurgence of blatantly racist and misogynistic talk directed at Obama, Pelosi and other Democratic leaders. I’m not saying people have to agree with them, but why use the “N” word when saying “I disagree with his policies” or “I don’t support his healthcare plans and will vote against him next election” would be a much better way to go.
I have hope, yes hope, that we can return to some sort of rational debate, where people actually listen to each other and argue the merits of different issues rather than calling each other names. But given recent events, I’m afraid that may not be on the immediate horizon.
Chris Salzmann
March 25th, 2010
1:21 pm
Frankly Kyle, how much are you willing to bet that the next big act of domestic terrorism/violence will come from the Right versus the Left?
JF McNamara
March 25th, 2010
1:24 pm
Ok, Thanks for the information. As long as not one dime of my money gets wasted on it, Sonny can grandstand all he wants.
Glenn
March 25th, 2010
1:43 pm
This is why we need gun control .
Cutty
March 25th, 2010
1:45 pm
I was with you until Plain had the crosshairs on her PACs website. Also, citizens are of course upset. After being told for the last year that this whole program was ’socialist, would destroy America, etc.’ when they knew that wasn’t the case. You can shift blame as Newt is trying to do, but Republicans own the backlash.
As far as when Bush was President, I recall protests of the Iraq war (which the ‘majority’ of the public was against when the surge occurred), but I don’t believe Congressman’s addresses were given out, or the minority leader saying someone was a ‘dead man’ for voting in favor of going to war. Even though there was never a Declaration of War issued by Congress. Something that IS in the constitution but was violated, yet no one from the right was up in arms then.
Glenn
March 25th, 2010
1:46 pm
Talking about someone shooting at Eric Cantors office as far as gun control . Maybe because his middle name is Ivan one of these fringer fruitloops thought he was communist . Anyhow quite troubling. I’ve never heard someone say that crazy gun toting lib . Very timely blog .
Ragnar Danneskjöld
March 25th, 2010
1:53 pm
Dear Glenn, notorious cases in my lifetime alone; Lee Harvey Oswald, Sara Jane Moore, Lynette Squeeky Fromme. Suggest you try a 2010 Google search for Amy Bishop.
JSD
March 25th, 2010
1:54 pm
I’m moving to Costa Rica. “The 2nd America” will be popular permanent destination by many within the next 20 yrs, NO DOUBT. Egos will take this country down, as if you haven’t noticed.
On another note:
I have a place in my heart for the founding fathers & their efforts. I blame easily persuaded representatives & BIG government for insulting these great men & making them roll in their graves.
On ObamaCare:
My kids will not be paying for it. I don’t mind my soon to be raised tax dollars helping out the “less fortunate” due to the economic situation. I do have a problem helping out the “less fortunate” that already collect a federal check, sit on the porch, drinking beer, and complaining. Buy some Kleenex.
Getem Kyle…………DHS Alum ‘97
JDW
March 25th, 2010
1:54 pm
Kyle, we rightfully chastise those in the Muslim world for not speaking out on the subject of terrorism. Now we have the same type of acts occurring here in response to a legal piece of legislation. Don’t you think we should as the same of Republicans and others in our political system that we ask of others around the world?
They should speak loudly, forcefully and QUICKLY!
Instead we have Newt…
” Democrats bear some responsibility for threats, anger over health care”
Sounds like aiding and abetting to me.
Guy Incognito
March 25th, 2010
1:57 pm
Still waiting for the video proof that the alledged slurs actually took place. Video cameras everywhere, cell phone cameras everywhere….still waiting……..still waiting……….still waiting………………….
Oh, and how’s David Scott’s investigation going into that aledged nazi symbol on his sign?
Remember folks, libtards believe that they can speak things into existance so they don’t need any proof
retiredds
March 25th, 2010
1:58 pm
Kyle, the answer is yes. Both parties. One other item. If you have a conversation with the governor or his lieutenant tell him for me that I don’t want any, not one cent, of my tax dollars spent on the suit over health care. And, that would include into perpetuity. No gimmicks, no pulling from this state fund or that state fund. It’s his and the Republicans fight. Let them pay for all of it, now and forever.
Linda
March 25th, 2010
2:02 pm
According to the polls, the numbers of Americans who strongly oppose the hc bill are much greater than the number of Reps. Many Dems who voted for Obama regret doing so & were against the bill. There’s Reps, Independents AND Democrats who were against the bill & who are members of the Tea Parties, which are also attended by all races.
Stupak received threats while he was against the bill & also after he switched & voted for the bill. There is no way that the threats before & after the vote could have come from the same group.
Whoever makes threats or becomes violent should be prosecuted.
retiredds
March 25th, 2010
2:06 pm
To my blogging friends, there is a cardinal rule which in conflict resolution. It is # 3, what do I do (or not do) or say (or not say) that contributes to this conflict. The premise here is that I take responsibility for my part of the conflict. If both parties start from here and DISCARD the blame stuff, i.e. “if only he/she would do, or stop X the problem will be solved. Blame never, I repeat NEVER, resolves conflict. If both parties admit their complicity in creating the conflict they are both invested in getting to resolution. That works. If the mouthpieces of each party did this much of the conflict would be resolved. If they blame it not only doesn’t get resolved, it festers, and (get this) grows into a monster.
CJ
March 25th, 2010
2:07 pm
I just watched the video of Eric Cantor’s press conference. He directly blames Democratic Party leaders for “dangerously fanning the flames” while insisting that Republicans are the victims of intimidation for political gain. The irony is rich.
I notice that this “turn the tables” approach (e.g., Kyle’s post today, RedState’s post, Cantor’s press conference, Fox News) is all over the right-wing media today. They can’t govern, but I have to hand it to them—nobody has message discipline like the GOP and their media supporters.
artatlarge
March 25th, 2010
2:13 pm
This is just another attempt by a conservative to turn night into day, up into down, and black into white.
This shameful and revolting attempt to distance the right from the hatred, violence and bigotry by blaming democrats is one of the most disgusting things I have EVER read.
You should be ashamed of yourself, wingfield, and this is exactly the type of B.S. that stokes the teabaggers and the wingnuts to further their campaign of violence, ignorance, and criminality.
You, wingfield, will share the culpability for any further and future acts of vandalism, violence, and plain terrorism.
You and your ilk encourage this kind of behavior from the fringe, but then disavow it when it gets out of hand.
#1 Foxy Lady
March 25th, 2010
2:15 pm
The tea parties can call me what they want, they can pull their guns out and shoot at me, and they can try to blow me up. The tea parties and their good buddies, the militia-types, all have a lot of practice at intimidating and shoot’n no matter how much Kyle wants to deny it. All the evidence is there.
I just have one thing left to say to ‘em. And that is:
SUCK IT, LOSERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
About Sonny Perdue’s health-care lawsuit | Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
2:21 pm
[...] keep talking about the intimidation post below. But for those who have had their say on that, here’s something I’ve been [...]
Willie
March 25th, 2010
2:22 pm
retiredds
March 25th, 2010
2:06 pm
You thinking is of course correct. However, in my lifetime and my experience, I have never seen a liberal succumb to my values and beliefs. I must succumb to theirs to continue the debate in a rational civil manner. I like Kyle and respect him very much, but I will not give a micrometer. I will maintain my values and beliefs forever. If a shouting match is therefore the result–sobeit.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
2:29 pm
For everyone who thinks this is a one-way street: http://bit.ly/bBLNOk
Now I’ll wait for someone to explain that Rush, et al. also stoke the flames on the left…
CJ
March 25th, 2010
2:42 pm
Unrelenting violent imagery and violent metaphors are coming from just one of the two political parties. To deny the connections between the rhetoric of GOP members and their media enablers and and recent death threats is to be deliberately obtuse.
Algonquin J. Calhoun
March 25th, 2010
2:45 pm
The Republinazi Party and the Tea-baggers are nothing more than Taliban for Christ. As for racism, when they called John Lewis the ‘N’ word and spat upon him as he walked through the halls of congress, any deniability disappeared. The Republican leadership has aligned itself with the devil and now it’s time to give up what little soul they had left. As for your contemptible assertion that the Democrats are somehow to blame I find it as ridiculous as any victim being blamed for the criminality they’ve been subjected to. Sarah, queen of the Tundra, has the names of Democrats who supported health-care reform in the cross-hairs of a sniper’s scope on her web site. Anorexic Coulter says she regrets McVeigh didn’t make it to the New York Times Building. Those people aren’t Democrats. They are heroes(zeroes) of your party!
#1 Foxy Lady
March 25th, 2010
2:50 pm
For everyone who thinks this is a one-way street: http://bit.ly/bBLNOk
Maybe these two people can join the left’s tea party… if there was one!
Keep spinning Kyle. The attempts make your argument that much weaker.
Willie
March 25th, 2010
3:02 pm
CJ:
Nicely written! If your point is taken as fact, the difference of the two political parties in this event reflects the will of most of the people and not just the party. One may become more resolved when constitutional liberties are stolen due to ill gotten means such as bribery and behind closed door deals. Not only the loss of freedom has to be confronted but a disguised agenda that will usurp a way of life that is not readily or easily abandoned. Converatives must continue their path however the liberals label it. I will stand with them.
Willie
March 25th, 2010
3:04 pm
Algonquin J. Calhoun
March 25th, 2010
2:45 pm
That is alleged and can not be proven. sorry!
hatin' on the stupid
March 25th, 2010
3:06 pm
“For everyone who thinks this is a one-way street:”
End of story, eh, Kyle. To think that Republicans don’t own this ugly period in our history is laughable.
hatin' on the stupid
March 25th, 2010
3:13 pm
“One may become more resolved when constitutional liberties are stolen due to ill gotten means such as bribery and behind closed door deals.”
My God, grow up and quit whining at democracy at work. You should have been concerned with your way of life when Bush and Cheny flaunted laws, domestic and international. Illegal wiretapping? Can you imaging the furor had this originated with the Obama administration? Back then “might meant right”. Now a democratically elected president and congress pass a totally legitimate law and they’re equated with terrorists, Nazis, and whatever other derogatory comments Fox can come up with.
Willie
March 25th, 2010
3:15 pm
hatin’ on the stupid
March 25th, 2010
3:13 pm
The difference is a war for the security of the people and the other is for the control of the people. As said on Fox,”You are a koolade drinker!”.
hatin' on the stupid
March 25th, 2010
3:18 pm
Yeah, that’s what we say about you Fox watchers, too, Willie.
hatin' on the stupid
March 25th, 2010
3:21 pm
“The difference is a war for the security of the people and the other is for the control of the people.”
To say that the push for HCR is about control is exhibit #1 that you have indeed been hosed by Bortz’s “Golden nectar of Truth”.
TGT
March 25th, 2010
3:30 pm
Don’t forget the Bush assassination film, Black Panther intimidation at the polls, and:
Al Gore: “He betrayed this country! He played on our fears! He took America on an ill-conceived foreign adventure dangerous to our troops, an adventure pre-ordained and planned before 9/11 ever took place!”
Harry Reid: “I think this guy (Bush) is a loser.” and “President Bush is a liar…”
Cindy Sheehan: “George Bush is responsible for killing tens of thousands of innocent people.”
Nancy Pelosi: “Bush is an incompetent leader. In fact, he’s not a leader,”
Ramsey Clark: “George W. Bush and his principal officials are the greatest threat to world peace, to human rights,”
Jesse Jackson: “We will take to the streets right now. We will delegitimize Bush, discredit him, do whatever it takes, but never accept him.”
etc. etc. etc.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
4:11 pm
Not Bush-related, TGT, but you (and I) left out: “Punch back twice as hard.”
Newt's Butt Cutt
March 25th, 2010
4:21 pm
What a stupid, stupid column. Yet another far right wingnik blaming Democrats for violence and verbal abuse encouraged by conservatives. Have you ever watched Glen Beck program? He’s stopped JUST short of encouraging armed resistance against the government. The GOP is self-destructing from within just like the Democratic party did in 1968 because of their own lunatic fringe. But the difference is that the GOP/conservative lunatic fringe are not a bunch of college students; they are largely men and women in their 40’s and 50’s who should know better. And GOP House members are setting a fine example. Continued outbursts on the house floor by Republicans. Encouragement by GOP House members of disruptions in the gallery. A bunch of spoiled children. You, your party and your movement need to grow up, Sir.
Marcos
March 25th, 2010
5:08 pm
People like Rep. Peter King of Iowa, the RNC and others ARE responsible. Do not be so naive Kyle. You know exactly how this works. You conservatives stoked these fires of hatred and now you own them. Grow a pair and take ownership.
CJ
March 25th, 2010
5:18 pm
The Eric Cantor nonsense turns out to be exactly that. Cantor said, “Just recently I have been directly threatened. A bullet was shot through the window of my campaign office in Richmond this week.”
Here’s the statement from the Richmond Police:
We report. You decide.
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
5:43 pm
Whoa: Andrew Breitbart of BigGovernment.com offers a $10,000 reward “to provide hard evidence that the N- word was hurled at [Rep. John Lewis] not 15 times, as his colleague reported, but just once. Surely one of those two cameras wielded by members of his entourage will prove his point.
“And surely if those cameras did not capture such abhorrence, then someone from the mainstream media — those who printed and broadcast his assertions without any reasonable questioning or investigation — must themselves surely have it on camera. Of course we already know they don’t. If they did, you’d have seen it by now.
“THOUSANDS OF TIMES.”
http://bit.ly/axlfPa
Kyle Wingfield
March 25th, 2010
5:49 pm
PSA: I’m going to be away for most of the next few days, and all comments will have to go through moderation during that time. I’ll check the queue as often as possible. Thanks for your understanding.
CJ
March 25th, 2010
5:59 pm
“Andrew Breitbart of BigGovernment.com offers a $10,000 reward “to provide hard evidence that the N- word was hurled at [Rep. John Lewis] not 15 times, as his colleague reported, but just once. Surely one of those two cameras wielded by members of his entourage will prove his point.”
Kyle’s repeated implications that John Lewis is either a liar or an idiot does more harm than good for his cause.
Even if his lame implications were true, his spin would have require that we forget about all the protest signs threatening violence, written and recorded death threats, broken windows, cut gas lines, and the rest. I, for one, haven’t forgotten.
Daved
March 25th, 2010
7:22 pm
“Do you really expect people to calm down when conservatives condemn these actions, if the left is simultaneously smearing all of its opponents? Don’t you see that these smears are escalating things, not de-escalating them?”
It seems to me that you miss the point. Having read Newt Gingrich’s tepid condemnation of the right wing wing-nuts today, coupled with his apologia for their anger which, unsaid, “justifiably” led to their threats, Republican leaders, at least Gingrich, do have culpability. Whip up the masses, when the whipping works, condemn them. I don’t blame all Republicans or Democrats for what the fringes do. I do blame the leadership of both parties for the serial partisan attacks that lead to the fringe idiocy.
StJ
March 25th, 2010
7:35 pm
Rep. Dingell (D), March 22, 2010:
“The harsh fact of the matter is when you’re going to pass legislation that will cover 300 [million] American people in different ways it takes a long time to do the necessary administrative steps that have to be taken to put the legislation together to control the people.”
So-called “health care reform” is and always has been about controlling the people, as I have stated from the beginning. (Why else would you need to kill a forest just to print the thing?) Validated by a Democrat – straight from the donkey’s mouth, so to speak.
And we wonder why these things take place…Next thing you know, there will be the American(?) version of the Reichstag fire.
Atlantan
March 25th, 2010
11:14 pm
What about the African-American man that was beaten by the SEIU and democratic supporter goons last August in St. Louis. I heard no condemnation from the left on this.
Recall the political cartoonist who equated Condi Rice to Mammy – from the left crickets.
This is a calculated strategy by the left to change the subject. When you can’t defend your position you immediately cry racism, sexism, etc.
The truth always wins in the end and the Obamacare will be a financial disaster on our great country. Did you see the announcements from Caterpillar, Verizon and Medtronix today in the WSJ – this is only week one after Obamacare.
irishmafia
March 26th, 2010
12:17 am
Wouldn’t be he least bit surprised if all this supposed “violence” if real was staged by liberal to try to justify their position. Chicago politics at it’s finest
irishmafia
March 26th, 2010
12:23 am
Brings to mind supposedly Lewis et al were spat upon and called words they didn’t like. Funny with all the hundreds of cameras reporters cell phone cameras etc no one caught any of it on tape. Fact is I don’t recall anyone arrested even though he as surrounded by police. If they were MSM would have been all over the identification of the suspect. Again STAGED ? Could have seen this coming before the vote from a mile away.
irishmafia
March 26th, 2010
12:27 am
Liberals take note
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” (Edmund Burke)
No More Progressives!
March 26th, 2010
6:31 am
chris barry
March 25th, 2010
10:54 am
When’s the last time anyone on the left blew up a federal building, pal? Or shot up an abortion clinic?
Exactly. Damn, what passes for political discourse in the United States is ridiculous sometimes. It’s genuinely embarrassing. No wonder the rest of the world sees us as buffoons.
Bill Ayers, Little Barry Soetoro’s neighborhood friend, on 5/19/1972. ELF (too many to mention) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Liberation_Front
Robert Littel
March 26th, 2010
12:21 pm
3.I find it most interesting that the apologists for the criminal operation that was the Bush regime (from the moment they stole The White House),find that the mild response of the opposition (Democrats)to an illegal war (Iraq), the transfer of vast wealth to the top (legalized theft of the Bush tax cuts), the despoiling of the economy to benefit the greed of the banking system (through rapine deregulation), all done in the name of a bumbling, inarticulate puppet of corporate interests, can be used to defend themselves from the hatred and threats, threat of armed retaliation and even of violent revolution, being whipped up by them, against a man whose only goal is to use the power of the government to help ease the pain and suffering of our country’s people, as in “WE THE PEOPLE”.
Joel Edge
March 27th, 2010
6:40 am
Thanks, Kyle. Andrew Breitbart has offered 10,000 dollars for proof that tea parties uttered the n word. Haven’t heard of any takers yet. I think we’ve enough examples of how far the dems will go to push their socialist agenda. Branding your opponents as racist and violent will only go so far. pretty soon you’ll have to call everybody racist. The only cure will come in November.
LibraryJim
March 29th, 2010
9:30 am
Has anyone actually seen/heard the video/audio of the racists slurs reportedly hurled at Pelosi & co. on the day of the vote? I haven’t yet.
It’s like the report of someone shouting “kill him” in reference to Obama at a McCain rally, which later turned out to be in the imagination of the reporter. There are more reports then actual incidents. If the incidents happened, then they should be condemned by both sides (and the Republicans were quick to come out in condemnation of threats this past week).
But I’m sure the left would not let a few facts interfere with their rant.