USA Today/Gallup: Most Americans doubt that political rhetoric was a major factor in Arizona shootings (poll, school)

[AnUnidentifiedMale]

A new USA Today/Gallup poll finds Americans dubious that the heated language used in politics today was a major factor that influenced the alleged gunman in last week's shootings in Tucson, Ariz. Twenty percent say such rhetoric was a major factor in the shootings, while 22% cite it as a minor factor; 42% say it was not a factor at all.

Most Doubt Political Rhetoric a Major Factor in Ariz. Shootings

I'm glad to see this. It tells me that Americans are able to be rational, even in a moment of national drama.

[nightflight]

Originally Posted by AnUnidentifiedMale

Most Doubt Political Rhetoric a Major Factor in Ariz. Shootings

I'm glad to see this. It tells me that Americans are able to be rational, even in a moment of national drama.

I would add even in a moment of the most vile, unfounded accusation.

[AnUnidentifiedMale]

Also interesting:

When asked if commentators have a legitimate point when they partially blame rhetoric for the attacks:

35% of Americans say they have a legitimate point
53% of Americans say it's just an attempt to make conservatives look bad

So, to those who are blaming the rhetoric of Sarah Palin for the attacks: The majority of your fellow Americans aren't buying it.

[southbel]

Originally Posted by AnUnidentifiedMale

Also interesting:

When asked if commentators have a legitimate point when they partially blame rhetoric for the attacks:

35% of Americans say they have a legitimate point
53% of Americans say it's just an attempt to make conservatives look bad

So, to those who are blaming the rhetoric of Sarah Palin for the attacks: The majority of your fellow Americans aren't buying it.

Very interesting. I read the entire article and saw there were actually quite a few interesting questions asked and the responses seemed to be in direct conflict with many of the pundits that are trying to feed a one-way opinion.

[Ceece]

I'm not going to blame Sarah Palin, I'm going to blame everyone. How's that? Of course it's a factor.

[ergohead]

Bush started it.

[AnUnidentifiedMale]

Originally Posted by Ceece

I'm not going to blame Sarah Palin, I'm going to blame everyone. How's that? Of course it's a factor.

Well, you're free to blame everyone if you want, but I think that's silly.

[Ceece]

Originally Posted by AnUnidentifiedMale

Well, you're free to blame everyone, but I think that's silly.

How come? Rhetoric has reached a fever pitch. Nobody can say it's innocent.
I'm not saying it made THIS GUY shoot someone, but it's created an atmosphere where even normal people think it's ok to talk about doing it.

[AnUnidentifiedMale]

Originally Posted by Ceece

How come? Rhetoric has reached a fever pitch. Nobody can say it's innocent.

You just said you blame everyone. So you blame your relatives, your neighbors, your co-workers, etc.?

[southbel]

You know what would help tremendously? Logic should be a required course in school. It would help teach people about logical fallacies, which so many seem prone to utilize in their arguments.