Has the rhetoric gone too far in American Politics?

[Jman47]

Simple question for the poll. Has the rhetoric gone too far in American Politics? Are hateful statements from opposing points of view translating into violent acts?

Post your viewpoints...opposing views and examples are encourage.

Have at it,

Jman

 

[Jman47]

Well let me start it off. Today in the aftermath of the tragedy in Arizona there seems to be allot of attention focused around the map published by Palin. Let not Bullshit ourselves here...those targets were exactly that...targets. Had nothing ever happened, nothing would be said...however, something did happen. But this is just the most recent example of hate mongering from the far right. It seems that "bully" tactics are the marching order of the day and are supported.

Today I hear of references made by Glenn Beck about "killing" Micheal Moore. I mean comon people...somewhere our press and our leaders have to display some restraint and professionalism. They have to consider the long and deep reaching effects of comments.

It has gone too far...

 

[Merlot]

Simple question for the poll. Has the rhetoric gone too far in American Politics? Are hateful statements from opposing points of view translating into violent acts?

Post your viewpoints...opposing views and examples are encourage.

Have at it,

Jman

Hello Jman,

"Freedom of Speech" does not include the right to slander, or make threats, among other illegalities. So the second one taken as written is not legally possible. Civility is also not necessary, but encouraging the worst base human instincts and impulses to exploit bad conditions and promote hate for political advantage is pure Hitlerism. Vigorous, even temporary rancorous exchanges can be very healthy, but there is a line that should never be crossed. Persistence in the kind of no-holds-barred ugliness that has happened in Arizona and elsewhere is definitely over the line.

Cheers,

Merlot

 

[hungry101]

Yes. But let us not forget how Republican Charles Sumner was caned by a fellow Senator's nephew prior to the civil war. I also remember Davy Crockett beating the shit out of a fellow congressman. There are all kinds of examples in our history.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Sumner

We should remember that many of these guys are personal friends with their opponents on the other side of the isle. They serve on committees together, socialize with each other, golf, fish etc. and then they make a speech to play up to their constituents and you would think that they hate each other?

 

[Doc Holliday]

Believe it or not, but this clip was broadcasted nearly 1 year ago:

'The View' panel on Sarah Palin's crosshairs map