The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[flippyshark]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

For the same reason, I suppose, that people aren't up in arms over James Cameron recently saying that global warming deniers should be shot.

I hadn't heard that (or about him wanting to duel with deniers) - but Cameron isn't a political leader. I agree with his position re: global warming, but I also find him silly. (He sure can direct action sequences, though!)

This game of "why didn't you object when this or that happened?" is one of the most tiresome, predictable and potentially endless gambits in any political discussion. Alex had it pretty right on when he said that most of us can recognize metaphor in rhetoric, as opposed to outright incitement, or actual criminal acts. So, Palin's crosshair map doesn't bother me in the least, nor does the "Fire Nancy Pelosi" with fiery flames in the background on the RNC website. I can easily see that these mean "Hey, get these people out of office in November."

In case anyone missed it, here is what incitement looks like, courtesy of Mike Vanderboegh, as reported on a Fox site. No question about it - a militia man who relishes the thought of violent overthrow, actively telling people to break windows as a warning for the gunshots that are to follow if the government continues on its present course. And he's practically giddy at the thought of being arrested and charged with sedition because of the platform it will give him. Chilling. Okay, this isn't a political leader, but I would sleep a little more soundly if I heard Republicans call this guy out by name and say no, that's not the way things are going to happen.

(By the way, for what it's worth, I thought Boehner's public response to all of this was reasonable, if predictably politicized, but I'm not expecting anything any politician says to be otherwise.)

Okay, rambling as usual. I'm going to pop extra popcorn this November.