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Around The Web: Arizona Shooting Influenced By Toxic Political Rhetoric

Reut Cohen |
January 11, 2011 | 1:56 p.m. PST

Opinion Editor

SarahPAC.com map that has recently been the source of much debate
SarahPAC.com map that has recently been the source of much debate
In the wake of Saturday's deadly shooting in Tucson, a media frenzy has erupted on issues ranging from gun control to violence-tinged political rhetoric. The latter, some pundits say, can influence those with a proclivity to violence.

Sheriff Clarence W. Dupnik, who is investigating the shooting that left six dead and U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords with a critical head injury, agrees that speech from the far-right has a tremendous negative impact.

At a press conference on Saturday, Dupnik cited the “atmosphere of hatred and bigotry” and called out Arizona which he characterized as “a mecca for prejudice and bigotry.” In subsequent interactions with the media, Dupnik has also called out Rush Limbaugh and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin. In an interview with Fox News' Geraldo Rivera, Dupnik cited Palin as being responsible for what he calls "political vitriol."

Many of the pundits agree with the sheriff who has now become a controversial figure following his remarks.

Here's what they have to say:

Ezra Klein for The Washington Post implores those who are politically invested to take the tone down a notch, noting that no evidence exists that a political statement from an elected official or pundit provoked Tucson's shooter but that we can't ignore the ugliness that has permeated political discussion.

The Huffington Post was among the first to call out Sarah Palin for "decidedly militant" rhetoric and SarahPAC.com's choice of using gun sights on Democratic political opponents.

Lefty Coaster for the Daily Kos has praised the sheriff "for standing up" to individuals like Rush Limbaugh who is dubbed "Bully of the American Right."

Harry Shearer for the The Huffington Post laments the lack of mental care available in this country, arguing that the Tucson shooting indicates we have failed those who need mental health aid.

Jonathan Bernstein for The New Republic contends that if she had a chance, however small, Sarah Palin's presidential aspirations are now truly hopeless in light of shooting-the-opponent metaphors on SarahPAC.com.

Jonathan Capehart for The Washington Post argues the lack of evidence connecting the Tucson shooter to a political ideology in no way excuses violent rhetoric from conservatives.

The Guardian asks readers whether it's time for tighter gun control laws.

Are the pundits onto something, or way off target?



 

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