The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Stan4dSteph]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

The clips that I've been hearing on the radio that have been submitted aren't threats, they are calling the dems names. No one has played anything - again, that I've heard - that included threats of harm.

If someone spits on someone, arrest them by all means. But saying someone is worthless garbage (in whatever colorful language they choose to use) is not a threat.

People have thrown bricks through office windows of House members in Western NY. Someone cut a gas line at another's home after a blogger posted his address. News article.

[scaeagles]

Absolutely wrong. No doubt. However, please let me know when they catch the perps. I am reminded of this story, in which it was falsely claimed that anti health care refrom forces were responsible.

Don't get me wrong - anyone who does anything violent or commits vandalism should be prosecuted. Absolutely.

[JWBear]

In addition, threatening phone calls to Democratic representatives has risen dramatically enough for the Congressional Police to increase security.

[scaeagles]

I using profanity and calling someone an idiot a threatening phone call? I don't mean that rhetorically - I'm serious. If I call and say " you are a f***ink idiot", have I threatened that person? Tastelss, sure. Much better way to leave a disagreement. But unless someone says something "I know where you love and I'm going to kill you and your family", I'm just not seeing it as a threat.

[JWBear]

I have to ask... At what point will moderate republicans stop excusing the actions of the extreme right - a fringe that is becoming more and more violent? At what point will they say "enough" and condemn their hateful rhetoric? Are they so caught up in "party loyalty" that they just can't bring themselves to criticize another Republican, no matter what they do?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

I using profanity and calling someone an idiot a threatening phone call? I don't mean that rhetorically - I'm serious. If I call and say " you are a f***ink idiot", have I threatened that person? Tastelss, sure. Much better way to leave a disagreement. But unless someone says something "I know where you love and I'm going to kill you and your family", I'm just not seeing it as a threat.

What about using hunting terminology and crosshair imagery in political speeches?

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

I using profanity and calling someone an idiot a threatening phone call? I don't mean that rhetorically - I'm serious. If I call and say " you are a f***ink idiot", have I threatened that person? Tastelss, sure. Much better way to leave a disagreement. But unless someone says something "I know where you love and I'm going to kill you and your family", I'm just not seeing it as a threat.

They are getting threatening calls.

Here is a link to several news stories concerning this.

[scaeagles]

Well, as a member of the right, I didn't support McCain, and very verbally so did not. I am clearly renouncing violence and vandalism regardless of whom is doing it (and can see that it comes frmo both sides of the extremes). I was very vocal about the things I didn't like that Bush was doing (primarily in terms of fiscal resonsibility).

Do you support Earth First or various environmental extremists? Did you support those carrying signs at antiwar rallies calling for Bush to be killed?

Extremism is extremism regardless of where it comes from. Violence and threatening behavior is violence and threatening behavior no matter which side is comes from.

[scaeagles]

Apparently I am not making myself clear, but don't see how thaty is possible. Threats of direct violence - wrong. Investigate the hell out of it. Vandalism/violence - wrong. I do appreciate the links that have specific info about threats, as what I had seen and heard was more about vandalism and tasteless profanity laced name calling.

I do notice that Republican leaders, in the stories you linked to, are condemning this, which seems to answer your question above about condemning extremists who resort to violence and threats.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Do you support Earth First or various environmental extremists? Did you support those carrying signs at antiwar rallies calling for Bush to be killed?

I do not, never have.

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Extremism is extremism regardless of where it comes from. Violence and threatening behavior is violence and threatening behavior no matter which side is comes from.

The problem I have is that (at least, from what I have observed) most Republicans won't even acknowledge that there is extremism on the right.

Tea party protesters that carry signs with racist and violent messages? "Oh... You're misinterpreting them."

Someone throws a brick through a democrat's window? "It's probably another Democrat trying to frame the Republicans."

Reports of threatening phone calls to Democratic members of Congress? "Just because someone leaves a threatening message doesn't mean it's really threatening."

No one here would defend or dismiss these actions if they came from someone on the left. So I ask the question again... Why is there not more condemnation from the right when there is behavior like this coming from the right?