Londonfog has it right as rain
Paul Krugman:
"You know that Republicans will yell about the evils of partisanship whenever anyone tries to make a connection between the rhetoric of Beck, Limbaugh, etc. and the violence I fear we’re going to see in the months and years ahead. But violent acts are what happen when you create a climate of hate. And it’s long past time for the GOP’s leaders to take a stand against the hate-mongers."
I'm a gun owner too, I do understand that it is an instrument of death. Much more deadly in certain hands. I would NEVER mention taking arms to anyone. I certainty would never use gun violence advocacy as a campaign tool. Firearms deserve respect, and are not toys, should you be reckless with your respect to it, you are directly responsible for its actions, even in the hands of another. It is still your gun.
Just the same that speech about using firearms necessitates the same respect as the firearm itself. Speaking of your right to own a gun is simple and safe discourse. Speaking of using your gun on another human is a threat. Joking about putting gun sights ons congressional districts is irresponsible and shameful. Both of which are protected rights, (owning and speaking of) but just the same, your therefore own the follow through of its consequences.
That fact that this happened draws anyone speaking of such malice into the conversation and brings the eye of scrutiny from the whole nation upon them to explain what they were thinking when they said such things and condoned (directly) these behaviors.
It takes no blame off of Jared, but in my eyes, as well as many other of your "fellow" Americans, there is a more divisive back story to this horrific situation. A story whose lesson has the ability to stop hate-speak for decades to come.
If anyone sees this as trying to blame the tea-party then fine. You are just part of the static. What is actually being done here is a widespread addressing of hate speak, and why it is a bad thing (other than being politically useless). If you want hate speak to disappear, now is the time to push your ideals.
Both sides engage in heinous hate speak, one side has made a profession of it, perfected it and made it sound to convincing and palatable that they campaign upon it. That is a problem that needs to be addressed. This is the event that will spark its addressing.
One side has a habitual behavior of relying on hate speak every two years or so. The other has a habitual behavior of validating the hate speak by rebuking it. Real topics never get discussed, real problems never get solved. High school. Over and over and over.
Along comes a new movement, that tries to solve this vicious cycle with even more hate-speak. A much louder, angrier, once taboo hate speak that can only exist because the general public is so responsive to emotion instead of reason.
All of the above situation hinders on hate speak, please address it now, so this won't happen again.
yup would have to agree Hudson that "don't retreat reload" is about to bit her azz. Don't get me wrong...I myself I'm a gun(s) owner and truly believe that a we have rights to own a gun..but hate talk and gunplay don't mix. Bad things go on when they do.