There's a lot that could be said about yesterday's tragic shooting of Congresswoman Giffords. Much of it has been said by other people, better than I could hope to achieve
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I find I agree with the people who have urged that Sarah Palin be charged with incitement for her cross-hairs map. The only way elected officials - in any country - will change is if we demand greater accountability from them, and stop allowing them to exist outside decent behaviour.
There are two problems with charging Sarah Palin, or Sharron Angle, with incitement. First, the list of people engaging in violent rhetoric and political speech is long. There are Sarah Palin and Jesse Kelly (Gifford's opponent this past November), who both used violent imagery directly related to Congresswoman Giffords. Then there's Sharron Angle, John Boehner, Michelle Bachman, Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh, President Obama (not to the same degree, but "if they bring a knife, we'll bring a gun" doesn't help matters any), and any number of others -- on both sides -- who haven't gotten the same press over it.
Second, there's evidence that the suspect had been targeting Congresswoman Giffords since 2007 or earlier, and no evidence that he was directly influenced by the rhetoric and violent speech.
Still, the fact that it may not have directly led to Saturday's shooting doesn't mean it should be accepted.
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I find I agree with the people who have urged that Sarah Palin be charged with incitement for her cross-hairs map. The only way elected officials - in any country - will change is if we demand greater accountability from them, and stop allowing them to exist outside decent behaviour.
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(Not sure if you're checking back, or just getting email notices, so I figured I'd let you know that I replied.)
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Second, there's evidence that the suspect had been targeting Congresswoman Giffords since 2007 or earlier, and no evidence that he was directly influenced by the rhetoric and violent speech.
Still, the fact that it may not have directly led to Saturday's shooting doesn't mean it should be accepted.
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