The Words We Say

It's because they're being VIOLENT and THREATENING PEOPLE.

But whatever. I'm tired, and feeling weird. I think it's mental issues. So I apologize.

Keep in mind that Obama has said the following things (from a list compiled by someone else when I was trying to remember them all):

** Obama: “They Bring a Knife…We Bring a Gun”
** Obama to Democrats: “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.”

Our own president regularly uses violent language—really violent language—to describe what should be done to people like me who disagree with him or didn't vote for him. That frightens and appalls me, particularly from someone who claimed we have to work together, non-partisan, to accomplish our goals.

The President. Who could, if he wanted, just toss me in jail without any explanations or reasons. Or my spouse. Or my family. Or anyone.

If we're going to start with getting rid of the violent and threatening rhetoric, could we start at the top? Couldn't Obama set an example? I bet that would be a big deal. But he doesn't. Palin's not the only one using martial language.

Sorry... but I don't buy it. When has Obama ever said anything remotely like that? Those words would sort of imply he has a backbone, which so far he doesn't seem to have grown. Okay, the ass kicking one I've heard, but whoop-dee-doo. The rest of it, this is the first I've heard of it, and I don't take anyone at their word for anything when it comes to things others have said.

But whatever. I need to sign off. Why haven't I signed off yet? Ugh. This whole damned society is violent, and it disgusts me.

I sourced 2 of those for you. Basic googling should get you the rest. He said them.

But that isn't the point. The point is that this has nothing to do with the actions of a single schizophrenic.

Furthermore, the tea party are not violent. I am not clear on where you are getting the notion that they are.

Part of me wanted to snap back with something rude like "I watch the news," but then my own beliefs about the media came back to me and I realized no one can trust anything on the news. It's all lies, distortions, propaganda, and sensationalism. And that part of me that wanted to be rude also just truly cannot grasp why anyone would ever vote Republican. But, to be honest, though I vote Democrat, I hate both major parties and think it's well past time they were disbanded. Both parties are severely disconnected from the people and what the people want. I vote Democrat because their values are more in line with mine, and they get more good things done (I cannot think of a single good thing the Republican party has given us since before McCarthy), but both parties are deeply corrupt. We need to ban corporate lobbying, ban corporations from giving politicians campaign money, take away corporate personhood, disband both major parties, and start over again.

You know, if I thought they had any chance of winning at all, I'd be voting either Green or Socialist.

See, I would do things very differently. But now we are talking. That's a start.

I agree that pretty much all of the news is spin. One way or the other.

I agree that the parties do not represent the people.

I vote republican because they come closer to my view of what is right. Not in every instance, I don't like "legislating morality", I am pro choice, against the "drug war", and have problems on a whole host of other issues. Lesser of evils hey?

I am fairly happy with the republicans since the mid-terms. I think that a full reading of the constitution is an excellent way to start a legislative session.

I can't see anything "good" having come out of the democrat party since before FDR. But that's my view.

As for how I would fix the things that are broken... I would start by forbidding the government from bargaining with collective entities. I would remove many many restrictions on economic activity, and would repeal or subject to the amendment process, all the extra-constitutional laws (starting with the new deal).
I would amend the constitution to state that all laws sunset every alternate year, that no law may be voted on by anyone who was not present for a full reading of the legislative language, including all references.

Though I do have some issues with "His Mercenary Army" I know that you were cribbing from CLD, but that one goes a little far :P

Heh. True.

But really, the vitriol is coming from both sides of the aisle. I don't see why only half the politicians should be held accountable.

I want to fire them all. Honestly.

Also, the whole "Hispanic" episode was personally appalling to me, given that I'm a "Hispanic" conservative. :P

At least finish the quotes. Here's one, for example, lacking the crucial final sentence:

"I don't want to quell anger. People are right to be angry. I'm angry. What I want us to do is channel our anger in a constructive way."

Yes, these quotes imply violence; some also imply competitiveness, as in contact sports like American football (where violent and warlike imagery is also commonplace). And toning down the violence would be an excellent idea for everyone.

But then we'd have to come up with a different way to rally supporters and team members than to appeal to their competitiveness, aggression, fear, and anger.

Tell me something. Why should half of us have to put things in context? Besides, what is Obama's definition of a "constructive way"? Is it not just as possible that Jared heard that and decided to kill because that was "constructive"?

Did the left give Palin that same courtesy? NO, or we wouldn't even be having this conversation!

That which you sow you will reap.

You gave context to that one quote. What was the context for the "enemies" comment? Or frankly, any of the others?

Why should half of us have to put things in context?

Because the other half of us do. If one desires to accuse people of taking things out of context, it would behoove one to not do it oneself. Sadly, when given its context back, the pundits and loudmouths of the Right often shame themselves with their words, perhaps more often than the Left -- provided they are shamed by things like ignorance, bigotry, and poverty of spirit.

what is Obama's definition of a "constructive way"?

I think he has showed us that with his personal pledges, his legislative proposals, and his overall behavior toward AIG in particular and profiteers in general. Now as to whether that was necessary or overkill or otherwise unwarranted behavior, he has not, then or now, resorted to cheering on the deaths of his opponents nor calling for more; nor has he directly encouraged their physical destruction. Pres. Obama has used violent language to rally and encourage his "team" to gather together and prepare themselves to push for certain legislative solutions; but this verbal violence is all too American in its use, and shames him and us just as much as it always has. But I notice he doesn't use it nearly so often as those who outspokenly oppose him.

Is it not just as possible that Jared heard that and decided to kill because that was "constructive"?

Possible? Maybe. True? Let's hear it from the horse's mouth.

Did the left give Palin that same courtesy?

Did Palin's words or actions not directly encourage the "targeting" of others? Did she not herself imply the use of projectile weapons, notably guns (particularly implying scoped rifles but also including other such weapons), in her encouragement to others? Can she talk about politics without showing either ignorance about the subject or lack of empathy toward her opponents?

Maybe, to that last one, but who shares those examples and is believed?

That which you sow you will reap.

An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
But will you pluck all the world's eyes so you can be king -- and can you do so without plucking your own in the process?

As for adding context to the other quotes, how much work is enough? I'll trade you context for context, and we can research each others' sources.