Discourse

What is the phrase used by the comedian(s)? "And they vote!" This has struck me reading and hearing the comments from those blaming the "vitriol," "the hate speech," the whatever of the critics of the gov't for the shootings by that nutcase in Tucson.

It would then seem that any action that is undesirable, even violent action, can be "blamed" on someone's speech. Theo van Gogh's death? Those critics of Islam should have kept their mouths shut. You get it....

It would also seem people have very short or, more likely, very selective memories. (Or perhaps they are just ignorant.) Who was it who said, "If they bring knives, we'll bring guns!" and who is the self-proclaimed "author" of using scope crosshairs on political targets? (Hint: He writes for The New Republic and is often the spokesman for "the Left" on television and radio talk shows.) I have no problem with either of these, just as I have no problem with the Tea Parties, Palin, et al.

And, any comment about the likes of Saul Alinsky and Rules for Radicals? Did that inspire others to violence? Where are/were the clamors about it from those issuing diatribes now? Not only did he get a free pass; he got a teaching position at one of our most prestigious universities. Double standards, hypocrisy...I've let my opinions be known about those.

Ross Douthat was quoted in the paper this AM and it is right on the money: "When our politicians and media loudmouths act like fools and zealots, they should be held responsible for being fools and zealots." As the Codester would say, as a matter of clear fact, "Yep!"

When we give up our right to voice, forcefully, with meaning, our views and opinions, we have begun the descent from democracy and freedom.

That said, Bill Bennett had a calm voice of reason this week. (And who are the two people, I let them identify themselves, who, in recent months remarked to me, "You like Bennett? He's a bigot!" I replied to them, "Oh? Can you give me an example of his bigotry?" When there was silence, I went on, "I think Bennett is very intelligent. People need to listen to him." There was, of course, more silence while his critics thought me, too, a bigot I'll bet. But, that kind of thought couldn't lead to an atmosphere of a shooting in a mall parking lot, could it? No, it's always the other side's "vitriol" and "hate speech.") Anyway, Bennett remarked that a lot of this shouting, from either side, is pointless because it won't convince anyone to change opinions. Who, being yelled at or called names, will concede or at least reconsider a point? Yes, I'm thinking about that one...but I'm also thinking about "fools and zealots" being held "responsible" through forceful speech.

Out to shovel 2" or so.... It's so beautiful out there, just before dawn.