The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Alex]

To the extent that either side couches their political disagreements in terms of violence and killing it is wrong and a needless escalation.

That said, there is a difference between using imagery of violence as a metaphor as both Cameron and Palin both clearly have, nobody seriously thinks either wants to literally shoot the people with whom they are disagreeing and simply expressing a desire for violence as sometimes happens.

So, my preference would be that everybody say to the people offering the violence metaphors "tsk, tsk, don't be an ass" and to those pretending to be offended by obvious metaphors "tsk, tsk, don't be an ass."

And everybody should condemn in the strongest terms threats or exhortations to violence that are not metaphors, regardless of whether the person uttering them is likely or even capable of carrying them out.

[scaeagles]

My only point in this, Flippy, is to say that this is nothing new. I have been more than clear in condemning any violence and property crimes. I am just amazed at those who seem to believe (and sincerely so) that it is one sided or that this is new, particularly when the Iraq war is relatively recent. I won't go back as far as Viet Nam or any other number of controversial things.

It isn't right. It also isn't new.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

It isn't right. It also isn't new.

New? No. Louder, more of it, and afforded a new level of legitimacy in the mainstream? Arguably.

[flippyshark]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

My only point in this, Flippy, is to say that this is nothing new. I have been more than clear in condemning any violence and property crimes. I am just amazed at those who seem to believe (and sincerely so) that it is one sided or that this is new, particularly when the Iraq war is relatively recent. I won't go back as far as Viet Nam or any other number of controversial things.

It isn't right. It also isn't new.

Actually, I thought my post was implicitly agreeing with you. I certainly acknowledge that you are clearly not in sympathy with hooligans of any stripe, on either side. Everyone in this conversation (and I mean everyone everywhere, not just here on LoT) wants to hear those across the ideological aisle say "Oh my gosh, you're right. My group really IS acting evil, backwards and un-American!" We all have our filters on at all times, and weed out the bad on our own sides while having a hair-trigger detector for faults on the other. I thought Boehner's statement was about as good as could be expected, (though he took his little digs, of course) and predictably, plenty of Democrats are outraged that he didn't go far enough. As ever, this is one of the most predictable, least productive and most boring games in all discourse. But, honestly, I believe you're one of the good guys. (Anyone wishing to trash me for being conciliatory, please kiss my butt right now.)

That said, the gun-toting "don't push us" rhetoric in the health care resistance gives me the absolute shivers.

[mousepod]

And now Anthony Weiner's Office Receives Threatening Letter Containing White Powder

Weiner, who is Jewish, has reportedly received anti-Semitic notes in recent days, including one addressing him as "Schlomo." He has acknowledged that his strong support for reform, which has included multiple media appearances defending reform legislation, has made him "something of a lightning rod."

classy.

[scaeagles]

On Tuesday, Republican Representative Cantor had his office shot at.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

My only point in this, Flippy, is to say that this is nothing new. I have been more than clear in condemning any violence and property crimes. I am just amazed at those who seem to believe (and sincerely so) that it is one sided or that this is new, particularly when the Iraq war is relatively recent. I won't go back as far as Viet Nam or any other number of controversial things.

It isn't right. It also isn't new.

I never condoned violence conected to anti-war demonstrations, but it never frightened me. The violent actions and rhetoric coming from the right do frighten me.

Originally Posted by scaeagles

On Tuesday, Republican Representative Cantor had his office shot at.

That is disturbing, and wrong.

[mousepod]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

On Tuesday, Republican Representative Cantor had his office shot at.

Oh, so someone threatened a Republican, too? Makes me feel so much better.

He's the highest-elected Jewish official in the country and the only Jewish Republican in the House? Gotcha.

Yeah, much better.

[innerSpaceman]

Wouldn't Benedict Lieberman be the highest-elected Jewish official? Senator outranks Representative, right? Or are they supposed to all be "equal" Congressmen?

[flippyshark]

On the other hand, here is something rather encouraging. Did any of you see the horrible video of the man humliating a Parkinson's sufferer by throwing dollar bills at him? I did, and it was appalling and depressing.

But here's the good news. The guy who did it is honestly remorseful, and frightened at how his participation in a political rally brought out the worst side of his humanity. So, a big kudos to this guy. The follow-up story doesn't say that he changed parties or changed his mind about health care, but it does give what I consider an inspiring example of somebody having the wisdom to see their own folly and the courage to admit it and do something about it.