Gifford was among those in Arizona whose offices were targeted with vandalism and threats during the health care debate in 2009.
(via @nytjim)Giffords was also one of the lawmakers Sarah Palin “set her sights on” in the Palin PAC infographic below (takebackthe20.com). The congresswoman and others are targeted with simulated gun sights on a map of the United States.
Despite putting a “target” on Giffords and asking her fellow nutjobs to find a “solution” to the congresswoman, Palin had this to say about the tragedy:
My sincere condolences are offered to the family of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of today’s tragic shooting in Arizona.
On behalf of Todd and my family, we all pray for the victims and their families, and for peace and justice.
Michael Moore asked this via Twitter:
If a Detroit Muslim put a map on the web w/crosshairs on 20 pols, then 1 of them got shot, where would he b sitting right now? Just asking.
Update Jan 9, 2010:
According to ABC News Palin denies “she meant the graphic over the districts to look like a gun sight.”
Rebecca Mansour, a spokesperson for SarahPac said, “We never ever, ever intended it to be gun sights.”
bobo
I’m not defending Pallin in fact I really wish she would stay out of politics. I just saying that the shooter is a total nut job. Some people are claiming his political views or on the left and some on the right. Anyway you make a good points about Palin’s sight and I look forward to reading your talking points.
Ha, ha. Ok Metals==looks like you don’t need any more “facts.”
Yes, this incident ITSELF is about a total nut job. The Free Speech/Political Hate Speech is a tangent. A valid tangent. While all things are connected, especially those on a tangent, the two issues are unrelated regardless of the politics of the shooter.
That didn’t hurt did it.
I wonder if we will see any apologies from the libs who made the knee-jerk descisions that the shooter was acting on Limbaugh, Becks, and the Tea-Party directives.
Especially with these sorts of stories leaking out.
http://goo.gl/rg0uQ
Probably not, facts don’t matter to the likes of Kos, Fonda, and HuffPo.
JB–is putting bullseye’s on political opponents and asking for a solution appropriate political speech in your book?
What’s with all these atheist trying to kill people lately?
Palin has wound up a lot of people and she knows it. She was the Governor of a state and on the Presidential ticket. She’s eventually going to have to act like a grownup, whether she likes it or not.
The whole thing is tragic, but unbalanced people will be egged on by the emotional and inflammatory rhetoric. Explaining away the targets as “surveyors sites” is like trying to avoid a first year midterm because you have a hangover.
And a little something to change the tone of this whole thing.
#107 Absolutely. Freedom of speech.
#107 – for a more mature perspective
http://goo.gl/O6M7Y
JB==rinse, lather, repeat.
#114 – Bobbo – that is a pitiful comeback with no facts.
You’re the one always kvetching for citations, buddy. And when one is placed in your lap, you resort to your usual litany of wisecracks that have nothing to do with the subject at hand.
Even though the shooter is a total nut job. Total nut jobs do not suddenly decide to go on a shooting rampage at a congress persons public meeting without the idea getting into their brain somehow.
The VIOLENT rhetoric of the right wing has been going on for some time, and it has become part of the culture here in Arizona. It is so thick, I’m surprised this hasn’t happened before.
You do not hear threats of violence, even metaphorical violence in the left wing media, you just don’t.
Was Palin or Beck or Limbaugh to blame? They did not pull the trigger, so no. But they are guilty of putting the ideas in the killers head.
>JB–is putting bullseye’s on political opponents and asking for a solution appropriate political speech in your book?
Yes it is. It’s happened before, and it will happen again. In the last 5 years, you can see this from Palin, The Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee, and Daily Kos. You know, people have targets that they have their eyes on, and they use bullseye, gunsights, say this is what we are shooting for, targeting, fighting for, etc. Takes a total idiot to absorb the latest talking points and thinks they mean something.
#115–JB==try to keep up. So, from #112==you are a Free Speech Absolutist and disagree with the Supreme Court controlling decision directly on point? So, who is zooming who(m)? Hmmm(m)?
I assume like most good Pukes, you are for Freedom of Speech because the incitement to violence wasn’t directed at YOU.
Yes, what a house of congress we have built on a foundation of hypocrisy, double speak, and BS.
Why don’t you have a picture of shooter Loughner up here? And is it going to be a glamorous one like you put up for Julian Assange? Or is this killer not worth it in your book?
And……and…….and I’d like to know why there isn’t a picture of the Vienna Boys Choir to head up this thread!
Thanks Mike. Its good to tell shit from shinola. Keep up the good work.
Aww, Jbenson and MikeN.
You must excuse Bobbo, he’s got “issues”.
Hey bobbo, hater of free speech, have you caught up yet with the fact that Palin wasn’t the first to put a “bulls eye” on Gillibrand?
What?? Palin wasn’t the first!!
Nope, in fact she was late to the game and simply imitating someone else.
Daily Kos. Yep! That bastion of insane lefty liberal drool.
The Daily Kos targeted Gillibrand before anyone else.
“we’ve got a problem in our caucus — while we have been busy stocking up on more Democrats, fact is the good ones are being swamped by the bad ones. … So you’re angry about the Democratic capitulation? Don’t take it out on the party. … I’d argue that we can narrow the target list by looking at those Democrats who sold out the Constitution last week. … Giffords, Gabrielle (AZ-08) … this vote certainly puts a bulls eye on their district.”
Yup, free speech. Who needs it?
Or maybe, just maybe, we can be sane grownups and follow this example.
(I know it’s a link, but just click on it and it takes you to the site all by itself).
http://suntimes.com/3229156-417/palin-christina-hope-responsible-rhetoric.html
Ok bobbo, I’ll let you off the link – hook since you psychically know what in it anyways.
But for the rest of us, this is the important passage:
“Read Loughner’s rantings: “I can’t trust the current government because…the government is implying mind control on the people by controlling grammar. No! I won’t pay debt with a currency that’s not backed by gold and silver! No! I won’t trust in God!”
Watch the video in which Loughner, wearing a trash bag, a hoodie and a bizarre mask, appears to “Let the Bodies Hit the Floor” by Drowning Pool and burns the American flag before leaving the viewer with this message: “I want you never fearing of wrongful incrimination by local police [cult leaders].”
His favorite books: everything from Animal Farm to The Wizard of Oz to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest to Mein Kampf to the Communist Manifesto.
What are we to glean from all this? That heated rhetoric from the right led to the shootings? Huh?
How about this: He’s a nutjob. A twisted, sick mind that exploded. All the back and forth about heated political rhetoric, all the attempts to capitalize on this tragedy, won’t change that.”
He loves Mein Kampf. He shot a Jewish politician who favors a liberalized immigration policy and was been publicly vilified during a recent election cycle. Do the math.
#118 – Bobbo, unlike you, I have a life outside of the Dvorak blog, so I will not follow your instructions to read every single post like you do.
I am for Freedom of Speech regardless of how you try to spin it. Let’s put the blame where it really belongs in this situation – on the left-wing rabble rousers.
Bobbo, if you’re using this shooting to criticize the ‘rhetoric’ of Palin or other Republicans with whom you disagree, then you’re either:
(a) asserting a connection between the ‘rhetoric’ and the shooting, which based on evidence to date would be a vicious lie;
or
(b) you’re not, in which case you’re just seizing on a tragedy to try to score unrelated political points, which is contemptible.
Which is it, Silly Bobbo?
http://verumserum.com/?p=13647
Democrats even had helpful popups that showed targeted Republicans one at a time.
The right has become really defensive. Suck it up princesses. You screwed up. Grow up and do better.
JB–you are quite right, I have no life outside of DU. You rarely post so extensively. You must have a very active life both socially and intellectually, this being Sunday, your day of rest, your only relaxation? Let’s parse, because I like parsley:
1. I am for Freedom of Speech regardless of how you try to spin it. /// finding the line between Freedom of Speech and incitement to violence is not spinning. Its what all civilized non simpletons/hypcrit/liars do.
2. Let’s put the blame where it really belongs in this situation – on the left-wing rabble rousers. /// No, dear Scarecrow, the “blame” is on the shooter as in all such cases his sanity is in question until other events clearly predominate. Even hired killers operating out of “duty” are similarly impaired. Not “real” similar–but still a departure from natural empathy to a dogma that will not accept criticism.
3. Bobbo, if you’re using this shooting to criticize the ‘rhetoric’ of Palin or other Republicans with whom you disagree, then you’re either: /// Yes, I am==or anyone of any stripe that suggests violence is acceptable in the market place of ideas.
4. (a) asserting a connection between the ‘rhetoric’ and the shooting, which based on evidence to date would be a vicious lie; /// evidence to date, I agree except for the general caveat that all things are connected, just a matter of degree dontcha know? Most broadly speaking: its culture. You know CULTURE: what you think without realizing it? That guns can be used for “acting out” rather than purely as self defense–its culture. We can turn to the enrollment demographics of the NRA to see who promotes guns as offense against ideas we don’t like.
or
5–(b) you’re not, in which case you’re just seizing on a tragedy to try to score unrelated political points, which is contemptible. /// JB–so limited. “Whenever given a choice, I always choose: Both.” and usually can spot 3-4 other options as well. So black/white, either/or, for/against you are. You’ll never be a Jedi Knight JB: “These ideas do not concern you.”
Which is it, Silly Bobbo? /// So far, I have compartmentalized the issues. I think every mother loving son of us is responsible for what we do. The shooter for shooting, Palin for posting, Me for blathering, and you for being simple minded. But what should the penalties be? Be sure to read the next thread on euthanasia==I’ll save a line or two for you, or your ilk.
Yea, Veerily.
#127–Mike==thanks for the link. I see I have been off the mark. Palin actually is NOT USING a bullseye but rather IS USING a gunsight. Much more on point than my too quick review gave it. but yea, its totally the same thing to put a bullseye on a STATE that Bush took by 1% verses people by name who voted for healthcare.
I can see how you Pukes get confused.
I’ve actually been enjoying some of your posts, Bobbo, since you’ve been cutting down somewhat on your name-calling (which has always just instantly turned me off). Thank you, but would it be asking too much for you to cease with the “Pukes” handle? In all cases, that’s hard to get past.
Bob–I have? Well, that was certainly unintentional! ((JB–quick, take that stick out of your ass!)) Ha, ha.
Hmmm. Must be hormonal?
What handle do you think the Pukes should go by? Its really so fitting, their policies are so uniformily hypocritical and destructive to any sane society, they really should make anyone puke==and yet they are a third of the electorate. They aren’t conservatives. They aren’t LIEberTARDS. Republicans?===the party of Lincoln?—No.
I only sorrow that I can’t call them stillborn.
#6…What’s more stupid?… A post by an idiot wasting his time or you commenting on it?
Why aren’t you making “Love to your Wife…outside?” or whatever?
And I’d love to see the ads by her Democratic opponent from a recent election. I’m sure they were oh so friendly too.
It was right wing violence, based on racism and anti-semitism.
==============
The AP reports that the alleged shooter could be connected to the anti-government group American Renaissance.
The anti-government organization American Renaissance is connected to the white supremacist New Century Foundation, according to an analysis by the Southern Poverty Law Center, an Alabama-based group that tracks hate crimes.
Members typically espouse anti-Semitic and anti-government views. Loughner’s online postings include language that is in line with such beliefs.
=============
Now for some reminder of history:
If you look at the composition and beliefs of the Tea Party, it is a truly scary organization, led by a few ultra conservative radicals organizing a mass of ignorant ‘respectable’ elderly individuals, but whose core is a group of racists and extremists. It is an organization that encourages it’s people to show up to rallies with guns, to not tolerate differences of opinion, where brown skin is suspect and unwelcome in the USA. Their slogans are based on violence and repression, their dreams that if a USA that accepts only their views. Totalitarian Communism, Fascism and Nazism all match the description of the Tea Party core beliefs. The politics may be different, but the result is the same: totalitarianism and tyranny. In a historical parallel, Palin is the new Hitler, with Glenn Beck as the new Goebbels, and the outcome if we give them a chance will be the same.
Look at the website of American Renaissance and tell me that it doesn’t replicate the sayings and beliefs of the Tea Party. ( http://amren.com/ )
Wifey–haven’t you heard that there are only two things in life that can be wasted? Time, and money==which is why you can donate to DU. ((rimshot==a cheap shot, not even true, but it had a gunsight on it and that was the only solution I could think of that used a gun sight.))
So, you’re posting the notion that Palin must have had equally outrageous ads run against her in Alaska four years ago now and that somehow justifies/equates/negates her use of those ads in her National Run to become rich?
Even OReally says one bad act doesn’t justify another. Really!
What a retard.
Thanks Awake–I heard that every time a Dem is the President, the “John Bircher” component of society gets motivated. They go by different names but they are cut from the same white sheets. Difference is the REPUBLICAN Party used to call this extremist group for what it was and now with the PUKES, its their base. Thats what happens when you dance with the devil, you wake up with fleas. You can only absorb so much poison before it kill you.
Big question is, what nominal political set of dogmas can the Super Rich buy up to push their no tax agenda under the guise of Free Market or whatever else is the malarky of the day? Religion will always be part of their idiot base, dogma being somewhat interchangeable.
Hmmmm. I’m thinkin. Maybe a new “Green Party.” Enviromental issues to you and me but return on investment green dollars to cap and trade flim flam artists. The Pukes are asphyxiating on their own vomit and are going down. Its gonna be something new, err OLD with a new label.
It would be amusing if it weren’t our lives.