Palin's Gunsight was on Arizona District (attorneys, live, radio)

[Drover]

Maps like the now-infamous "target map" can only be put out by thoughtless nuts with no regard for the consequences; but strangely enough, I don't see a target over Arizona at all

[gobrien]

This is how it used to look:

Sarah Palin Statement On Arizona Shooting Involving Democrat Rep. Gabrielle Giffords

[Drover]

Originally Posted by gobrien

This is how it used to look:

Sarah Palin Statement On Arizona Shooting Involving Democrat Rep. Gabrielle Giffords

Oh wait, that's right -- I had the wrong map. The map I posted (http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?contentid=253055&kaid=127&subid=171 - broken link) was issued by the Democratic Party, with the sub-heading "BEHIND ENEMY LINES." So according to the Democratic Party -- not just a gadfly associated therewith but the Democratic Party itself -- it is acceptable not only place targets over their districts, but to concurrently label your political opponents as "enemies." And according to the Democratic Party, it is also acceptable to enumerate Republicans by name as "targets" complete with this handy interactive target map (since removed) that pops up the names and faces of Republican "targets" like "Wanted" posters.

But when Sarah Palin employs the same rhetoric, By God there's blood on her hands!!

Moral of the Story: accusing the other side of irresponsible rhetoric carries scant moral weight when you haven't merely approved tacitly but used explicitly the very same rhetoric. It hasn't even been 24 hours yet and this bogus "selective outrage" game is wearing really, really thin already.

[gobrien]

100% agreed! Neither side should be fanning the political flames, it is too encouraging to the weak-minded.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by gobrien

100% agreed! Neither side should be fanning the political flames, it is too encouraging to the weak-minded.

I get what you're saying but frankly I don't want to live in a society where we have to be circumspect about absolutely everything we say in order to tiptoe around the "weak-minded." 99.4% of human beings -- namely, those with a bare shred of sanity -- knew both the Democratic Party and Sarah Palin were speaking metaphorically and not actually trying to incite violence. We shouldn't allow the other 0.6% set the rhetorical tone for us.

My point then wasn't to say "both parties are guilty" but to suggest that maybe people who know better should stop acting like the imbecile 0.6% who can't tell the difference between obvious metaphors and actual incitement just to try to score political points.

[gobrien]

I think it is more than just 0.6%. I have read books of fiction where "metaphors" spoken by charismatic leaders have indeed led to chaos and it seems like the level of anger in this country is clouding otherwise "normal" individuals. While I completely despise how one bad act always leads to restrictions for all ie TSA molestation at the airports etc, a leader needs to really vet their comments and attempt some judgement and tact, much like a parent does with a child. People seem to be too easily manipulated and if I am aware of that, why aren't our leaders?

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by Drover

Moral of the Story: accusing the other side of irresponsible rhetoric carries scant moral weight when you haven't merely approved tacitly but used explicitly the very same rhetoric. It hasn't even been 24 hours yet and this bogus "selective outrage" game is wearing really, really thin already.

Let's get something straight here. You aren't in the inane thread down in the political forum now; you're in Alaska.

Not everything is black and white here, not everything is this or that side. Alaska is the least partisan state in the Union.

We're tired of the Pavlovian responses to any mention of Palin is a less than favorable light. Not everyone who dislikes her is "on the other side" or a "lefty".

I don't blame Palin for this shooting but I do think she's a significant factor int he divisiveness that is killing this country right now.

[AADAD]

Umm for me I would rather call him for what he is. Just me.

[Newdaawn]

I wish Palin would just "shut her mouth" about guns, reload and everything else. I have had my gut full of her.

[bortstc37]

while both parties might use "targeting" strategies, far-right followers are a lot more likely to have guns.

that reminds me, i just got a new scope and need to sight in a rifle today...
(this is completely unrelated to anything political, i really do need to).