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The Left, Not the Right, Owns Political Violence
American Thinker ^ | January 10, 2011 | Michael Filozof

Posted on 01/10/2011 1:33:31 AM PST by 2ndDivisionVet

It took less than 24 hours for the political Left to seize upon the attempted assassination of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and the murder of six people on Saturday to blame the political Right for the shooting.

Perhaps the most egregious example came from Paul Krugman of the New York Times, who wrote "We don't have proof yet that this was political, but the odds are that it was." (The newspaper that published plagiarized and fabricated accounts of the "D.C. sniper" by affirmative-action hire Jayson Blair in 2003 is still publishing unsubstantiated suppositions without "proof," eh?)

"[Giffords'] father says that ‘the whole Tea Party' was her enemy..." continued Krugman, "And yes, she was on Sarah Palin's infamous ‘crosshairs' list." As if that was not enough, Krugman went on to invoke the specter of Tim McVeigh.

Well, we do have some proof now, and it's clear that the shooter was in no way connected to the Tea Party, the Republican Party, or any other movement on the political Right. Law enforcement officials have revealed that suspect Jared Loughner was rejected by the Army, kicked out of college, appeared to have mental-health issues, and was a reader of the "Communist Manifesto."

But since Krugman and the other members of the Leftist chattering classes have brought up the subject of politically-inspired violence, maybe we ought to remind them of the Left's protracted association with political violence.

We could begin over a century ago when William McKinley was shot by Leon Czolgosz. Czolgosz was inspired by anarchist Emma Goldman (today a darling of the academic feminists). Goldman's lover, Alexander Berkman, attempted to assassinate Henry Clay Frick because Frick was a prominent capitalist.

But it wasn't until the 1960s (when Che Guevara, Fidel Castro, and Ho Chi Minh became idols of the American Left) that the Left really ramped up the violence. Who can forget Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam? Or Eldridge "rape is an insurrectionary act" Cleaver and his Black Panthers? What about the bombings perpetrated by the Weathermen? Former Weatherman bomber Bill Ayers is, of course, a close associate of President Barack Obama. Ayers managed to escape prosecution (and proclaimed himself "Guilty as hell, free as a bird") but his wife Bernadine Dohrn served jail time for her part in the violence. Black radicals seized Cornell University at gunpoint in 1969, the same year the SDS and the Weathermen staged the "Days of Rage" riots. Race riots took place in Watts in 1965 and nationwide in 1968; leftists rioted at the Democratic Party Convention in Chicago in 1968. John Kennedy was murdered by a communist, and Robert Kennedy was shot by a Palestinian - hardly men of the Right.

The 1970s weren't much calmer. The Army Math Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison was bombed by Leftist radicals in 1970. Heiress Patty Hearst was kidnapped and took part in and a series of armed bank robberies by the left-wing Symbionese Liberation Army. The SLA inspired Sarah Jane Moore to try to assassinate Gerald Ford --less than three weeks after Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a disciple of Charles Manson, tried to kill Ford also. And what about the shooting of FBI agents at Wounded Knee by the American Indian Movement in 1975?

Since we're taking about violence against members of Congress, how can we possibly fail to mention the murder of Congressman Leo Ryan and the mass suicide of 900 people by the Leftist/Marxist Jonestown cult in 1978?

Does anyone recall that President Clinton pardoned members of the Marxist-Leninist inspired Puerto Rican terrorist group FALN? Clinton also pardoned left-wing radical Susan Rosenberg, who was imprisoned for her role in the murder of two police officers and a security guard in a robbery in 1981. She was offered a teaching job at Hamilton College, but public outcry forced her to decline the position.

More recently, we've seen anarchist and communist riots against the WTO in Seattle in 1999, and violent anti-Bush and anti-war protests. In 2007 Leftist playwrights in New York created a stage performance about killing president Bush.

The politics of the contemporary Left is absolutely intertwined with either tacit or overt support for violence. How dare the left-wing media attempt to pin the actions of a deranged individual in Tucson on the Right! To do so is nothing less than a calumny, a slander, and a blatant hypocrisy.


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Editorial; Front Page News; Philosophy; Politics/Elections; US: Arizona
KEYWORDS: 1965; 1968; 1969; 1970; 1975; 1999; aim; alexanderberkman; anarchists; arizona; assassinationplots; ayers; berkman; bernadinedohrn; billayers; blackpanthers; cleaver; cornellu; czolgosz; daysofrage; demlies; dohrn; eldridgecleaver; emmagoldman; faln; frick; fromme; geraldford; giffords; goldman; hearst; henryclayfrick; henryfrick; jaredloughner; johnkennedy; jonestownmassacre; kaczynski; leftwingnuts; leftwingterrorism; leftwingviolence; leonczolgosz; loughner; lynettefromme; malcolmx; mckinley; msm; nationofislam; obama; pattyhearst; radicalleft; robertkennedy; rosenberg; sarahjanemoore; sarahmoore; sds; sla; susanrosenberg; tedkaczynski; theleft; unibomber; violence; weathermen; weatherunderground; williammckinley; wuo
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To: Biggirl

http://www.youtube.com/user/giffords2


21 posted on 01/10/2011 4:37:29 AM PST by Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid! (Obama:If They Bring a Knife to the Fight, We Bring a Gun (the REAL Arizona instigator))
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

ping


22 posted on 01/10/2011 4:49:48 AM PST by CriticalJ (Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress.. But then I repeat myself. MT)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

Good points. As for Jared Loughner, he seems to have been more a paranoid, demented loner than someone with a political agenda.


23 posted on 01/10/2011 4:52:55 AM PST by Clintonfatigued (Illegal aliens commit crimes that Americans won't commit)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

There’s more evidence to hold Al Gore responsible for the actions of Ted Kaczynski than there is to hold Palin responsible for the actions of Jared Loughner.


24 posted on 01/10/2011 4:57:45 AM PST by tacticalogic
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To: Candor7; 2ndDivisionVet; Fantasywriter; warsaw44; ColdOne; Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!; ...

You only need to remember what took place at Paul Wellston’s memorial service when Republicans paying their respect were booed out. Or Clinton laughing leaving Brown’s funeral. ‘Nuf said!!!


25 posted on 01/10/2011 5:29:24 AM PST by danamco (')
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

re: It took less than 24 hours

More like less than two hours!


26 posted on 01/10/2011 5:31:49 AM PST by jwparkerjr (It's the Constitution, Stupid!)
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To: rambo316; 2ndDivisionVet

Don’t forget Whoraldo as well who fueling the “fire”!!!


27 posted on 01/10/2011 5:32:19 AM PST by danamco (')
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

Michelle Malkin has a great series of articles and posts on this going back years to the days when deranged Democratic operatives vandalized GOP campaign headquarters around the country in the 2004 election. Remember—one was even the son of a Dem Congressman? The examples are countless—remember the union thugs that beat up conservative protestors in Philadelphia (ultimately resulting in an Ed Rendell cover-up)? Remember the “Smoking Gun” mugshot gallery of felons wearing Obama t-shirts? This has been going on for years.


28 posted on 01/10/2011 5:33:36 AM PST by Opinionated Blowhard
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

Jared Loughner: Driven to Kill by Right-Wing Extremists?

10 January 2011 06:11 John W. Lillpop

By John W. Lillpop

A sick, despicable coward named Jared Loughner turned an ordinary shopping center in TucsonJohn W. Lillpop, Arizona into a killing field on Saturday morning. This deranged monster murdered six innocent people in cold blood, including a nine-year-old girl, and inflicted severe injuries on several others, including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Unfortunately, the tragedy and sorrow of this awful day were magnified when, in some quarters, the events in Tucson were blamed on “right-wing” extremists.

The implication was that hard-edged rhetoric broadcast by Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck had somehow driven the 22-year-old Loughner into the abyss of insanity and murder.

Unbelievably, some even tried to blame the carnage directly on Sarah Palin.

As one who has listened to Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck for years and years, I admit that I have never—never!—heard any of these conservative superstars even come close to suggesting that any form of violence should be used to advance conservative principles.

For sure, Limbaugh, Hannity, and Beck routinely express very strong opinions about the massive intrusion of government into the lives of the American people, spending by Congress which has exploded the federal deficit, and the socialist change advocated by Barack Obama.

Strong opinions and a call for resistance, yes. But violence of any sort? Never!

However, the Tucson slaughter has led many to call for an easing of the harsh rhetoric and hate speech.

I agree.

In fact, the following examples of outrageous rhetoric should serve as warnings to all:

Left Wing Host Jokes About Shooting George W. Bush

While Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck have never joked about killing Barack Obama, left-wing radio talk show hostess Randi Rhodes once suggested that President George W. Bush should be shot.

As reported in the media, Rhodes said the following:

“The (leader) is the president of the United States, so why doesn’t his father or his brother … take him out for a little fishing, and let him say some Hail Marys – he loves God so much. … You know, Hail Mary, full of grace, God is with thee – pow [gunshot sound] – works for me.”

Now THAT is reckless and irresponsible!

Congressional Democrats Say “F” the President

President Obama’s “deal” with Republicans to extend the Bush tax cuts to all, including the well-to- do, spawned extreme rage from those on the far-left of the Democrat party.

This leftist rage was reported in the media where congressional reporter Carl Hulse revealed that “Vulgar words were aimed at President Obama” during a closed-door meeting of Democratic House members, a fact initially reported by Roll Call.

To be precise, the words were “F*** the President.”

That sort of language directed at a sitting president could cause a barely- sane person to take insane action, and is otherwise the sort of rhetoric that should be avoided, especially by members of the president’s own party.

Bringing Guns to Knife Fights

During the 2008 presidential campaign, Candidate Barack Obama himself resorted to extreme rhetoric on occasion, including this quote:

“If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun,” Obama said in Philadelphia last night. “Because from what I understand, folks in Philly like a good brawl. I’ve seen Eagles fans.”

Surely a brilliant orator like Barack Obama could conjure up a less violent way to motivate his base?

This is even more dangerous rhetoric that should be avoided.

Republicans and Hand to Hand Combat

Barack Obama’s use of violent language did not end with his inauguration to the U.S. presidency.

In fact, on October 7 of 2010, President Obama said the following:

“A Republican majority in Congress would mean “hand-to-hand combat” on Capitol Hill for the next two years, threatening policies Democrats have enacted to stabilize the economy, President Obama warned Wednesday.”

Hand to hand combat? Is that sort of war-like language really necessary, Mr. President?

Is there not a danger that some unhinged soul might see your words as a declaration of war against fellow Americans who just happen to be Republicans?

Jesse Jackson: Cutting Obama’s Nuts Off....

Jesse Jackson: Cutting Obama’s Nuts Off

As reported in the media, the Reverend Jesse Jackson chose to use very graphic and violent language during the 2008 campaign to describe his disaffection with candidate Barack Obama.

“Jackson was caught on tape during a Fox News interview saying that he believed Obama was “talking down to black people,” remarking on recent speeches the Illinois senator made about fathers taking care of their children.

“I want to cut his nuts off,” Jackson later remarked.

Even though Reverend Jackson is of the same race and political ideology as Barack Obama, that sort of language is unacceptable for broadcast into homes where young, impressionable and unstable minds tune in.

It is also quite Un-Christian, Reverend!

In sum, the notion that vulgar, demeaning rhetoric should be reigned in is a good one.

Let’s start by slapping offenders on the left into shape!

http://www.borderfirereport.net/john-w.-lillpop/jared-loughner-driven-to-kill-by-right-wing-extremists.php


29 posted on 01/10/2011 5:35:20 AM PST by KeyLargo
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To: politicianslie; 2ndDivisionVet

Just ask this lady: Madeleine Duncan Brown!!!


30 posted on 01/10/2011 5:37:37 AM PST by danamco (')
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To: CriticalJ

Did Barack Obama Cause the Shootings Yesterday in Tucson?
Posted by Jim Hoft on Sunday, January 9, 2011, 9:30 AM

Townhall)

The media and democrats want us to focus on the nation’s “caustic political climate” after the tragedy yesterday. Maybe they should start with President Obama.
He may be the worst offender.

** Obama: “They Bring a Knife…We Bring a Gun”
** Obama to His Followers: “Get in Their Faces!”
** Obama on ACORN Mobs: “I don’t want to quell anger. I think people are right to be angry! I’m angry!”
** Obama to His Mercenary Army: “Hit Back Twice As Hard”
** Obama on the private sector: “We talk to these folks… so I know whose ass to kick.“
** Obama to voters: Republican victory would mean “hand to hand combat”
** Obama to lib supporters: “It’s time to Fight for it.”
** Obama to Latino supporters: “Punish your enemies.”
** Obama to democrats: “I’m itching for a fight.”

If the media really wants to improve the “caustic political climate” they may want to start at the White House.

http://gatewaypundit.rightnetwork.com/2011/01/did-barack-obama-cause-the-shootings-yesterday-in-tucson/


31 posted on 01/10/2011 5:40:34 AM PST by KeyLargo
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To: tacticalogic

Did Barack Obama’s Violent Rhetoric Inspire Mass Murder In Arizona?

“In 2009, at the height of the heated town hall debates where America stood up and told the Obama regime they did NOT want government run health care, Obama gathered up his union thugs from the SEIU, and told them to “hit back twice as hard“!

The direct result of Obama’s violent rhetoric was the severe beating of Kenneth Gladney, a black man, at a ST Louis town hall meeting. Gladney was beaten by a large group of the purple shirted union thugs, and called a n*gg*r numerous times. Gladney was beaten so severely that he was confined to a wheel chair while he recuperated. Big Government has the nasty details of the results of Barack Obama’s direct call for violence, here.

Oh, and it gets better, an NAACP leader spoke out saying Kenneth Gladney DESERVED the beating that almost killed him because, get this, he wasn’t “black enough” and was acting like an “Uncle Tom.” You see, in the black community, and the democrat party as a whole, any deviation from the party line is simply not tolerated. You can read the details of the statement here.”

http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2011/01/10/did-barack-obamas-violent-rhetoric-inspire-mass-murder-in-arizona/


32 posted on 01/10/2011 5:43:08 AM PST by KeyLargo
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To: KeyLargo

Lets not forget the assault on U.S. Sec. of State Condi Rice...(Red Paint)blood splattered while yelling “War Criminal” by Code Pink

WHERE WAS THE OUTRAGE!!!


33 posted on 01/10/2011 5:44:52 AM PST by Texas4ever (God is in control!)
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To: Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!
Yep, no rhetoric here. Sarc:

“Targeting strategy” for Democrats who hope to go behind “enemy lines” and score a bullseye by nailing the target. That comes from the the Democratic Leadership Committee website

34 posted on 01/10/2011 5:53:30 AM PST by KeyLargo
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To: Opinionated Blowhard

Al Sharpton was one of the first to place blame for the Az. tragedy on Palin and the tea party.

This says it all....


35 posted on 01/10/2011 5:53:30 AM PST by Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid! (Obama:If They Bring a Knife to the Fight, We Bring a Gun (the REAL Arizona instigator))
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To: 2ndDivisionVet
BUMP for exposing the violence promulgated by leftwing liberals/socialists.
36 posted on 01/10/2011 5:57:52 AM PST by newfreep (Palin/DeMint 2012 - Bolton: Secy of State)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

“the left owns political violence”

Ain’t that the truth!


37 posted on 01/10/2011 6:07:36 AM PST by austingirl
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To: Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!

I suspect the shooter was the one who created Gifford’s youtube page.


38 posted on 01/10/2011 6:18:16 AM PST by bgill (K Parliament- how could a young man born in Kenya who is not even a native American become the POTUS)
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To: Dubya-M-DeesWent2SyriaStupid!

I suspect it is real because the Youtube link on her Conrgressional Home page links to that page.


39 posted on 01/10/2011 6:24:42 AM PST by Protect the Bill of Rights
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

That list can go and on and on and on


40 posted on 01/10/2011 6:25:53 AM PST by GeronL (How DARE you have an opinion!!)
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