The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[innerSpaceman]

Really, you guys have really picked a wrong thing to pick on. I'm not saying you are nutjobs, but sky-fall shouting on this particular Obamamoment really makes you look like reactionary nutjobs. Do yourselves a favor and wait another 10 minutes for one of Obama's genuine failings. They are many and often enough if you desire to be critical of the president on a weekly basis.

Oh, also ... here's a clue. And I'm not saying you are, but when you go out on the panic limb about this sort of harmless fluffery, you ARE going to seem racist to the casual observer who can see no reasonable basis for your disdain.


So, Leo, what about the pertinent point that the rightwing has the de facto monopoly on (in)famous and wide-reaching inciters of violence? Does that not figure into it at all? Even if any perpetrators are individually responsible for their actions, are the public inciters righteous and good men?

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

So, Leo, what about the pertinent point that the rightwing has the de facto monopoly on (in)famous and wide-reaching inciters of violence? Does that not figure into it at all? Even if any perpetrators are individually responsible for their actions, are the public inciters righteous and good men?

I would not say all are righteous and good, no. There is a recent story of a pastor at a Baptist church in the Phoenix area who has been preaching sermons on why he hopes Obama dies. I do not think he is a good man.

I forget who it was, but some journalist, shortly after Clarence Thomas was confirmed, said the only hope was that he eat large amounts of fatty food and dies of heart disease at a young age. Is that different? I think it's stupid, but I'm not going to blame that journalist if someone goes and kills Clarence Thomas.

I think the problem isnt the speech, but the people who decide what they've heard is reason to be violent. I'm pretty right wing, but I'm not going to be going to kill anyone.

Perhaps I am ignorant on the subject, and I might be, but what domestic violence from the right has there been lately? I don't recall any abortion bombings or assassinations recently.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

I think the problem isnt the speech, but the people who decide what they've heard is reason to be violent.

So if someone shouts "FIRE!" in a crowded theater, they are blameless for the result? If someone goes out and incites a riot, then they are not criminaly liable; but everyone else should get arrested?

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by JWBear

So if someone shouts "FIRE!" in a crowded theater, they are blameless for the result? If someone goes out and incites a riot, then they are not criminaly liable; but everyone else should get arrested?

This discussion hasn't been about incitement of riots. Through all the Health Care town halls, I am only aware of one turning violent, and that was a protester getting beat up by some union members.

I thought this part of the discussion was about when someone says something and others have time to actually think about what was said and then turn violent on their own at a later time, is the person who uttered the words they dwelt upon to blame.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

I thought this part of the discussion was about when someone says something and others have time to actually think about what was said and then turn violent on their own at a later time, is the person who uttered the words they dwelt upon to blame.

I'll go let Charles Manson know he should be expecting a pardon.