Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
TPM Guide for the Perplexed
TPM, Josh Marshall
In the aftermath of the Giffords shooting there's been a lot of talk about political speech, politicians and whether there's a climate of violent political rhetoric. And it's been clear that a lot of politicians weren't clear that certain phrases and statements -- like calling for armed revolution or target practice at fundraisers -- might lead to misunderstandings. So in the spirit of ettiquette manuals, I thought I'd start putting together a list of things it's probably best not to say simply to avoid misunderstandings or criticisms the next time there's an attempt on the life of a politician.
In the aftermath of the Giffords shooting there's been a lot of talk about political speech, politicians and whether there's a climate of violent political rhetoric. And it's been clear that a lot of politicians weren't clear that certain phrases and statements -- like calling for armed revolution or target practice at fundraisers -- might lead to misunderstandings. So in the spirit of ettiquette manuals, I thought I'd start putting together a list of things it's probably best not to say simply to avoid misunderstandings or criticisms the next time there's an attempt on the life of a politician.
- Refrain from telling supporters that winning the election may require active exercise of their "second amendment" rights.
- Refrain from suggesting it's time for "armed revolution", even if Thomas Jefferson once kinda sorta suggested that.
- Refrain from holding political fundraisers focused around use of automatic weapons, especially target practices with initials, name or images of your political opponent.
- Refrain from telling supporters you want them to be "armed and dangerous."
- Refrain from making campaign posters with opponent's head in gun sights.
- Refrain from saying that bullets will work if ballots don't.
- Suggest that supporters not bring weapons to opponents' political rallies.
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