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Amen. You couldn’t be more correct, but $arah Palin is not going to do this, or she would have by now. Its not in her nature to “man up” or take any kind of responsibility. She has dragged the discourse down deep in the miry mud and wallowed in it like a political pig.

Comment by Mike in TN on 1/09/11 at 9:40 pm

The shooter, Jared Laugher, is a far left liberal whose favourite book is Communist Manifesto and favourite Youtube clip is the burning of the US flag.

Congresswoman Giffords is a centrist and a member of the so-called Blue Dog Coalition of Democrats who supported fiscally conservative, pro-business policies. She has pushed for more troops to guard the nearby US-Mexico border. She also refused to vote for Nancy Pelosi as House Democratic leader. Apparently, she is an opponent of the far left liberals.

Barack Obama - The Chicago Way
“If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun.”

The shooter is following Obama’s advice and bring his gun to the fight.

Comment by skponggol on 1/09/11 at 9:44 pm

It’s interesting that in 24 hours, the narrative from the right
wing has become “the shooter was a liberal nut.”

The source of that spin seems to be the disturbing memo published by
Judson Phillips, founder of the Tea Party Nation.

It was immediately clear that the TP supporters (Like Rush’s
dittoheads) are simply parroting what thet have been told to say and
think. In his memo, Phillips urged his Tea Party supporters to blame
liberals for the attack.

“The hard left is going to try and silence the Tea Party movement by
blaming us for this. Clinton used the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing to
“blame conservative talk radio, especially Rush Limbaugh” and “The
tactic worked then, backing conservatives off and possibly helping to
ensure a second Clinton term. The left is coming and will hit us hard
on this. We need to push back harder with the simple truth. The
shooter was a liberal lunatic. Emphasis on both words.”

Comment by Steve Spradlin on 1/09/11 at 9:44 pm

Btw, I’m a native Chinese living in Asia. I’m very disgusted by the way American lamestream media blaming Sarah Palin for the shooting. Obama and the Democrats have been making provocative rhetoric for so long, making America so divisive and polarizing.

By falsely, deliberately and maliciously blaming Palin for the shooting, American media is agitating and mobilising far-left liberals to take out the Palin family. This is similar Germans did on the eve of Krystallnacht by blaming the Jews for the diplomat’s killing.

Like their German predecessors did to the Jews and Hutu predecessors did to the Tutsis, American media is inciting liberal mobs to physically attack the Palins and the Teapartiers. If anything were to happen to the Palins and Teapartiers, blood will be on the hands of American media forever.

I’ll actively urge all my fellow Asian to boycott the highly despicable American media. They are all anti-Asian racists ! (I learn to play this race card dirty trick from Barack Obama).

Comment by skponggol on 1/09/11 at 9:50 pm

Sarah Palin is only part responsible.  the other so many Tea Party advocates are also a part of this negative drive.  Using gun sights to show the 20 Democratic candidates in there areas under attack by the Tea Party Thugs is absolutely wrong.  Tea Party is nothing other than the GOP at work.  50 million Americans are unstable, poor, uneducated, and easy to attract using violence as a means to win a vote.  When the GOP knew they would loose votes, they invented Tea Party to get those uneducated people to vote their way.
Every time i see or hear Palin speak i cringe.  its horrible to think people think she is intelligent!  And it is scary all the GOP candidates who have taken offices this last time around.  America is in trouble big time!

Comment by patrick on 1/09/11 at 10:09 pm

You are misguided in this article; you went from saying the motives didn’t really matter to ripping apart one of many political leaders today FOR NO REASON. You REALLY need to rethink.

Comment by John on 1/09/11 at 10:14 pm

skponggol seems to be an avid learner of rightwing propaganda. Statements are word for word the rightwing mantra. skponggol’s use of kristallnacht is especially galling and exceedingly insensitive, showing a profound lack of understanding of fascism and antisemitism. And especially ironic.

The point here is not the politics but the use of violent rhetoric. Ilana, you are correct—Palin needs to come forward and if not apologize, then at least lead her followers toward a more dignified and respectful discourse. She must learn from Martin Buber’s _I and Thou_.

Comment by SophieBlue on 1/09/11 at 10:33 pm

Another ridiculous column.  Why you even bring Palin up in relation to this tragic event is disturbing.  Why do you want her to speak on this issue if she had NOTHING to do with it?

Comment by Bill on 1/09/11 at 10:35 pm

Ilana,

I enjoy your work and always appreciate your thoughtful (often amusing) commentary.

Today, I would like to comment, though, because I must respectfully disagree with a key part of your assessment; namely, that Sarah Palin should “acknowledge the map could have inspired people in the wrong way”.

First, this presupposes that someone (in this case, Loughton) was “inspired” by her map to act violently. As we now know, Loughton was about a politically opposite from Mrs. Palin as can be. Thus, he would be the last person to be “inspired” by her.

(In response to commenter, Mr. Spradlin - I would offer that this is the reason many people are pointing out that Loughton leans left.  This, of course, is of little importance when it’s clear he is also quite deranged. No matter his politics.)

Secondly, when the map illustration came out nearly a year ago, people seem to have forgotten that many in the media took that opportunity to say that Governor Palin was inciting violence then, as well.

At that time - and on several occasions - she emphatically stated that she in NO way condones violence, and that the illustration was simply a graphic to pinpoint districts where Republicans could gain seats. There was even dispute regarding whether those were surveyor marks or gun sites.

As a designer, I would surmise that the graphics person simply thought the circle and “crosshair” lines were effective in illustrating the point and didn’t think twice about it.

Anyway, this is a long comment - my apologies. I will conclude by saying that it has become clear over the last 2+ years that no matter what Sarah Palin says or does, she will be vilified by those who, to be frank, hate everything about her. 

Had she come out with a stronger statement yesterday, I have little reason to believe that it would have made much difference. I suspect that she simply wanted to offer her condolences and stay out of the fray on a very tragic day.

My two (maybe 4) cents…

Comment by Cam on 1/09/11 at 10:36 pm

Thanks to everyone for reading and for sharing your thoughts. 

To Cam, I have removed the word “inspired” from my column.  I agree that it was the wrong choice of words.  I am a Democrat.  I have met Sarah Palin and I really liked her.  We spoke as women and moms, with no political agenda.  This blog was written by me as a mother and woman, not anyone with a political agenda.  I know what she said when the map came out.  I know what they are saying about the shooter now.  I know that she had nothing to with it.  I know also that she needs to say something.  Speaking kindly of Mrs. Palin has cost me friends, readers and work.  I don’t care.  I stand by my feelings that she was lovely to me.  She has power and saying something, anything, will make a difference and she should do it because it is right for America.

Thanks for writing and for catching the bad choice of words.

Best,

Ilana

Comment by Ilana Angel on 1/09/11 at 10:49 pm

Hi Ilana,

With all due respect, why is Sarah Palin linked to this at all? This was a sole act of a mentally stable individual who had a vendetta against Congresswoman Giffords since 2007. To link this to Sarah Palin is really ridiculous. I know that you have been fair in your assessments in the past, and that I truly appreciate. I don’t want to point fingers at anyone.

All in America are not blaming Sarah Palin, just as all in America did not blame President Obama for the Fort Hood shootings. It’s time to put the blame where it belongs…on the shooter. There is absolutely no link between Ms. Palin and what this unstable individual did. If we want to place blame on someone, why not on the parents who did not get the young man help when there were various signs of a problem? Or the teachers who over looked the odd behavior? Or the friends who just let his eradicate behavior slide? Again, I respect your column and will continue to do so, but I respectfully disagree with this one.

Blessings,
Martha

Comment by martha on 1/09/11 at 11:06 pm

I am of Jewish background and am disgusted at not only the sheeple mentality that the Jewish people have in following the liberal movement no matter what the consequences and philosophy, but at writers like this posting unfounded inflammatory articles like this in a forum called “Jewish Journal.”  I am further disgusted at the editors at allowing this article to appear.  Ilana, you made a bad choice in several words.

Comment by Linda on 1/09/11 at 11:08 pm

Didn’t think about that - Sarah was popular enough that she could have tried to bring the nation back together - but something like that doesn’t fit her (self-centered) personality at all.

Yeah, would have been nice if she was as loud about this as with cutting down others.  Would be nice if she also said she doesn’t mean for anyone to shoot people when saying “Don’t retreat… reload”.  She’s full of ‘em - mama barracuda sayings - but mostly she’s full of herself.

Comment by Chris87654 on 1/09/11 at 11:08 pm

Martha,

Thank you for writing.  I am not blaming Sarah Palin for the shootings.  I am simply saying she has a powerful voice and she should speak.  THe country is divided and she cold maybe make a difference.  To not even try is what is so disappointing.  I appreciate you sharing and being respectful. You are truly lovely.

Ilana

Comment by Ilana Angel on 1/09/11 at 11:13 pm

People who claim she’s not partially responsible for this attack are essentially arguing that Osama Bin Laden and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed weren’t responsible for 9/11.  They didn’t fly any planes, after all!

Interestingly, before she was a Republican, her family were involved with the secessionist Alaska Independence Party, which openly hates America and advocates violence against the government.  Her husband has been a member of this party for years, and Sarah’s participated in their conventions. Here’s a video of her agreeing with their platform and telling them to “keep up the good work!”

This is a political party whose founder said things like “The fires of Hell are glaciers compared to my hate for the American government”, and was killed trying to buy plastic explosives on the black market.

Comment by Sarah on 1/09/11 at 11:13 pm

The shooting of Rep. Giffords is the most high-profile but far from the only recent case of violence against government officials or politically motivated violence.  Hateful rhetoric from both the right and the left needs to stop.

Comment by Tori on 1/09/11 at 11:16 pm

I agree with your assessment of Palin.  Yes, she has the rhetoric to have this woman on her list of 20 and put crosshairs on her, but then when this happens, hides and does not set things straight.  I have never thought much of a woman who was thrust into the national spotlight by a rather poor VP choice of McCain;s, and then a Governor who could not even finish a 4 year term, but she does not think before she speaks.  She is not a smart woman, and I think her non response to this issue just shows that.  My fear is that she could somehow be elected President in ‘12 by some really strange happening, and that scares me more than anything.  But you are right, Palin showed what kind of Politician, person, and woman she is, a rather simple minded woman who talks loud and does not do the right, smart thing when she has the chance.

Comment by kmypetlover4 on 1/09/11 at 11:18 pm

To me, Sarah Palin epitomizes everything that is wrong with America.  Poor grammar, racism, lack of concern for others, lack of understanding of how an economy functions, and so on.  She scares me.

Comment by Larry Bloom on 1/09/11 at 11:34 pm

@skponggol   the Native Chinese moron living in Asia.

Dude, just take care of your own shit in China. You’re humiliating yourself and your own native for being so stupidity.

Anne
in Asia

Comment by anne on 1/09/11 at 11:35 pm

The only person who is responsible for this tradgey is the shooter. It’s very disturbing for people to place blame on Sarah Palin or the Tea Party. You’re putting fluid to the fire by motivating people to go after and attack Sarah Palin, you’re doing the same thing that you’re accusing Sarah Palin of doing- you’re placing a bulls eye on her. The only reason people like you are blaming Sarah Palin is because you don’t like her and therefore you will do and say anything to make her look bad. It’s a shame that you’re are use a tragedy for your political purpose this is what this is all about. You don’t care what happen to the people that lost their lives, all you care about is bring down Sarah Palin therefore you are mentally disturbed.

Comment by Rosa on 1/09/11 at 11:41 pm

Sarah had NOTHING to do with this young man’s derangement. As the media has already uncovered, he seems to have undiagnosed schizophrenia, has a very left-leaning set of ideals and favorite books, and has previously scared students and faculty at the college he attended with his outlandish comments.

Shame on you for blaming Sarah, a woman who loves this country and has risked her reputation, family, and money to do what she can to help save our country. By the way, the map to which you refer does not show cross-hairs from guns, but symbols commonly used on maps to locate areas of interest. You really should check your facts before printing an article like this. Seems to me you have slandered her good name and reputation.

If you want to blame someone other than the shooter himself (the only one who is really to blame, of course) why don’t you blame the Democrats who ran an ad with bull’s eyes during the 2010 elections?

Check your facts before you write.
You owe Sarah a huge APOLOGY.

Comment by Sue on 1/09/11 at 11:45 pm

I think you are misguided by media in thinking Sarah Palin should say something about the map in relation to this shooting. This shooting has nothing to do with left or right wing politics, nor the fact Rep. Giffords is Jewish (as I heard today). If you look around at our American culture, you will find many instances of people resorting to violence who, like you pointed out, have a motive we may never know. We have people walking into schools and into their workplaces and randomly shooting at people and then taking their lives. This shooter will have to pay for his crimes. He will have to pay for his choice—he made one, btw. No one else made it for him.

Comment by Susan on 1/10/11 at 12:13 am

Respectfully disagree - Sarah is best to let this work out a few days
Seems there is a web site out of Milw that mirrors this guys- p
patience
Thank you

Comment by Bill on 1/10/11 at 12:30 am

It was no mistake or misunderstanding. Sarah Palin is a liar and her aides are lying on her behalf. Those symbols were not intended to represent surveyor symbols! Case in point….. How does one go about “reloading” a surveyor symbol? The new lie does not match her vitriol such as: take aim, take out, reload etc.

Comment by Shannon Woods on 1/10/11 at 12:45 am

To say that Sarah Palin’s rhetoric and “inciteful” political tactics have no relation to the unfortunate incident in Arizona will leave this country with far more questions than answers. Using crossfires and “bullet” imagery to stir a non-violent reaction (albeit in hindsight) is very disturbing. To most civil minded individuals-the graphic display of calling voters to action certainly did not mean they should take up a gun and go on a shooting spree. However, to the erratic, possibly unstable individual who actually did… I think it would be extremely difficult to argue the non-relevance of Sarah Palin’s map. (And by the way, please do not assume that we are stupid by stating that Mrs. Palin’s map did not show “cross-hairs from guns.” Anyone who has followed the platform of Sarah Palin is quite aware of what appeals to many of her followers and constituents.

It’s time to put an end to the denial, hatred, inciteful rhetoric and refusal to accept responsibilty.

Comment by Kim on 1/10/11 at 12:48 am

Shame on you for defending a vitrolic and nasty pol like Sarah Palin. She had a map and used the rhetoric that would incite a lunatic to kill. Bin Laden is responsible for the planning and rhetoric that caused 9/11 just as Palin is responsible for the rhetoric and perhaps, even planning, that caused the shootings on Saturday. Shame on her, such an ugly person inside.

Comment by Jean in Canada on 1/10/11 at 12:58 am

There’s nothing wrong with shouting fire in a crowded theatre right?
It’s interesting how so many people rush to say this young man is clearly left wing without any sources, I guess it is a case of control the soundbite control the news.
I would be interested to see the reaction from these people if a map of Tea Party candidates had crosshairs over their representatives and a muslim or hispanic man had shot an elected official.
I doubt it would be the same, heck there are now people trying to even deny there are crosshairs on the map. For those who believe no proof is necessary, for those who do not no proof is enough or the left are evil and the Tea Party would never stir up trouble.

Comment by Jim on 1/10/11 at 12:58 am

Nobody knows for sure if Sarah’s map caused this, but Gaby was concerned about it back when it first came out saying this…
“We need to realize that the rhetoric, and the firing people up and ... for example, we’re on Sarah Palin’s targeted list, but the thing is, the way she has it depicted, we’re in the crosshairs of a gun sight over our district. When people do that, they’ve got to realize that there are consequences to that action…”

I guess you Palin worshippers can discount that, but many can’t or won’t.  It’s time for Sarah to shut her mouth and stop putting out her rhetoric about those she doesn’t like.  She’s a vindictive shrew who has the rignt wingers so duped it isn’t funny.

Comment by CorrineK on 1/10/11 at 1:01 am

Ilana,

I understand exactly where you’re coming from and what you’re saying however, I respectfully disagree with you. Which hasn’t happened yet in regards to your Sarah Palin columns.  First time for everything

I just did a quick “Bing” search (didn’t use google because it doesn’t zero in on the group of words I am using as well as Bing does) on “Sarah Palin Gabrielle Giffords” and “Gabrielle Giffords Jared Lee Loughner” and the results were:

- the one with Sarah Palin: 29,600
- the one with shooter’s name: 1,440

Now, I would imagine that Gov. Palin wanted to correct the record about all the misinformation that was flying around.  To definitely use her platform to correct any misunderstandings about what she said. Afterall, that’s what she always does; weighs in when she finds it necessary via facebook, Tv, radio, etc.

I completely agree with what Cam said in his/her post: “over the last 2+ years that no matter what Sarah Palin says or does, she will be vilified by those who, to be frank, hate everything about her.” basically she’s damned if she doesn’t and damned if she doesn’t. 

Had Gov. Palin weighed in to attempt to clear anything up, the media would have painted her as a whiner who is indeed responsibility for the death of the victims. Or the story would have been that she’s “vying for attention during this horrible tragedy. And How dare she?” Yes, even if she apologized because they’re like teenagers; they have selective hearing.

No matter what she may have said on day of the shooting, or even on Sunday, it would have been twisted and it would have dominated the news cycle, shadowing the tragedy.  That is because the media would have chosen to further demonize her along with continuing to cover the tragedy.  It would have made things worse and it would not have been fair or the right thing to do at such an early, raw, and very sore time. 

Don’t believe me? look no further than how she’s been covered the past 2 years in the news.

I trust she’ll weigh in when the time is right. Right now it’s not. If anyone should use their platform to tone down the hateful rhetoric, it would be Obama and even the Sheriff investigating the case. Have they? sadly, they have not. In fact they have both added to the flames in claiming political crap instead of pushing that aside and unite the nation. 

Have a blessed one.

PS. sorry for any typos. Class tomorrow morning, must go to bed.

Comment by Detroit7 on 1/10/11 at 1:03 am

“Btw, I’m a native Chinese living in Asia.”

And that gives you credentials, how? I am also a native Chinese living in Asia, and we can say that the debate of whether Sarah Palin is responsible is irrelevant, it is the fact that crosshairs are put on her political opponent and it is deemed “acceptable” by her constituents, that is the biggest problem.

This particular case might not be related to her, but she contributes to this violent speech pattern that surrounds this country. Trying to blame the other side for “they do that, too” doesn’t make a good argument, after all, Sarah Palin claims to be “better than her opponents”, so, please conduct herself better?!

Comment by Easterngale on 1/10/11 at 1:04 am

I like you, but I’m going to have to disagree with you on this. I am also disappointed that you have written that Palin should apologize even though she has nothing to do with it. It’s the media and the liberal blogs who linked it to Palin and caused this Palin-blame-game and you, unfortunately, fell into that trap, except you’re kinda outside of the trap, almost near it. I, for one, am calling this “brainwashing B.S.” that is put out by the liberal bloggers. Legit news site can easily go on and say “People are blaming Sarah Palin’s map” because the mainstream media has a liberal bias, so they read liberal blogs for ideas on what to say on the news.

Why should Sarah Palin come out and apologize on behalf of a deranged person who probably hates her (he’s anti-flag and anti-religion)?  I just don’t get this logic.  If you want to follow this logic, why not ask Jesse Kelly (Giffords opponent in the congressional race) to apologize too? He made an ad saying “Get on Target for Victory in November - Help remove Gabrielle Giffords from office/Shoot a fully automatic M15 with Jesse Kelly.” And the liberal Daily Kos recently scrubbed a post written by a blogger that says Giffords is “Now Dead to Me” because she voted against Pelosi.

From what I gather, the gunman had an obsession with Giffords since 2007, a year before Palin was even a household name. He met her and I guess he didn’t like the way he was treated by her (maybe she didn’t give him the time of day), so he called her “stupid and unintelligent.” I guess it’s like meeting your idol and then finding out they aren’t what you think. Instead w/ a psycho, they just end up finding ways to take revenge for the “mistreatment.”

Comment by Linda on 1/10/11 at 1:25 am

Love how the leftist media is portraying Sarah Palin as the devil in this, since it has been reported this killer has been unstable for quite a while, left leaning, and a liking for communism. Now how does that mean he’s a Sarah Palin sympathizer. Gimme a break you leftiest uneducated media. You guys must be awful scared of Sarah Palin. If anything this nutjob fits into your left leaning agenda, not Sarah’s. Nice try, but ain’t gonna swing.

Comment by Razzy on 1/10/11 at 1:25 am

I think your words are right on point! $arah wastes no time jumping on Michele Obama, or anything The President says or does.  And this is how she reponds to this tragedy to which she is linked coincidentally or not??!!  She’s a coward and this is not the first betrayal.  As governor, and Commander-In-Chief of the Alaska National Guard, she abandoned her post DURING A TIME OF WAR! And for what?  The bright lights of Hollywood, that’s what.  If any one of Alaska’s National Guardsmen or women wanted to “opt out” for similar reasons, they would be subjected to the Uniformed Code of Military Justice as a deserter.  That’s not a liberal or conservative spin…that is a fact.  So that she has nothing of substance to say in a real crisis is not surprising.  She is NOT a leader…she is an opportunist built on a foundation of sound bytes

Comment by Gayton Lawless on 1/10/11 at 1:25 am

No one owes Sarah Palin an apology ... she owes the apology.

Comment by akgal on 1/10/11 at 3:56 am

I agree with you Gayton.

Comment by akgal on 1/10/11 at 4:02 am

I see what you mean, by following Obama’s advice “If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun.”  But I don’t understand even as woman to woman, why is it Sarah Palin’s fault for this tragic and unfortunate incident?

Sending all the victims and their family peace and healing and white light.

Comment by Doreen Cohanim C.Ht on 1/10/11 at 4:54 am

Funny thing is that if Sarah Palin did come out and speak on this issue (like you’re asking her to do), she’d be demonized all the same, with folks saying “Who the hell does she think she is acting like some big-wig leader”.  No winning here.

Comment by Bill on 1/10/11 at 6:06 am

After reading all the comments, which I appreciate you taking the time to share, I would like to say that I think many of you, from both sides of the political spectrum, are missing the point.  Even if you believe she had nothing to do with the shooting, or the political climate, or the hash slinging, she still needs to say she is sorry.  I agree that Palin will be blamed, hated, and demonized whether she says something or not, so why not just do it then?  If there is even the remotest possibility that it might ease the tension, even for one person, is that not worth it?  Is that not the role of someone who is seeking a national political office?  Even is she has no plans to run for President in 2012, with her popularity and influence, her job is to work for the country, not just her followers.  The shooter was insane.  That has nothing to do with Sarah.  However, she has an obligation to do the right thing, this is her chance, and I do not understand why it has not been done already.  If political agenda’s can put aside, for just a few minutes, and human decency takes priority, then making the apology is a no brainer.

Comment by Ilana Angel on 1/10/11 at 7:26 am

I don’t this guy was as politically motivated as people seem to think - some in US have a need to classify people politically - the shooter had Communist Manifesto and Mein Kampf (Hitler HATED Communism).  This guy was just another anti-establishment nutcase who’d blame life’s ills on someone else and not have any idea how to fix what bugs him.  He’d be drawn toward an anti-establishment group that complains about what’s wrong - he wouldn’t care if they didn’t provide solutions to what they complain about (such people don’t get as pumped-up about solutions as they do about complaining and finger-pointing).  In other words, he’d be a perfect fit for the Tea Party.

Comment by Chris87654 on 1/10/11 at 9:38 am

People say Sarah contributed to this partly because of the gunsights and language, but also because she attracts people by stirring unrest.  She’s had to tone it down before (I think one of her brood made some threatening comment during one of her “Obama/terrorist connection” rallies in 2008), but she keeps in on the edge.  This kind of talk is not only creates chance of triggering a nut, it’s not good for the country.  Sarah can’t attract people better details/ideas than her opponents, so she resorts to cutdowns - it’s an immature way to promote oneself.

Comment by Chris87654 on 1/10/11 at 9:47 am

Ilana:“I agree that Palin will be blamed, hated, and demonized whether she says something or not, so why not just do it then?  If there is even the remotest possibility that it might ease the tension, even for one person, is that not worth it?  Is that not the role of someone who is seeking a national political office?  Even is she has no plans to run for President in 2012, with her popularity and influence, her job is to work for the country, not just her followers.”

Good ideas, Ilana, but apologizing or drawing people together is NOT Sarah’s M.O. - she a “divide and conquer” person.  I REALLY like the statement that “someone seeking national political office” or (anyone) “with her popularity and influence” should work for the good of this country, but it’s not been that way since Rove’s concept of a “separated, diehard voting base” - you hear nothing about “United We Stand” anymore, but plenty about dividing people (classifying them as right, left, neocons, libs, etc).

Comment by Chris87654 on 1/10/11 at 10:00 am

Ilana, I do understand what you are saying and totally agree. Sarah would rather dish on such nonsensical bs as Mrs. Obama’s remarks on dessert, trying to HELP educate poeple on eathing habits, rather than stand up and say stop the violent rhetoric. She IS part of the problem, and has been since she ran for VP. I tried giving her a chance, but she really turned my stomach. And I am a conservative Republican. Not all of us think she walks on water. Good article.

Comment by Theresa on 1/10/11 at 12:36 pm

“I agree that Palin will be blamed, hated, and demonized whether she says something or not, so why not just do it then?  If there is even the remotest possibility that it might ease the tension, even for one person, is that not worth it?  Is that not the role of someone who is seeking a national political office?”

Ilana, you’re implying that her reaction would have been worth it.  Would it have?  the pattern of irrational behavior certainly screams it would not have been worth it because weighing in, now even, will only make matters worse.  The focus is the congresswoman,and most certainly getting to the bottom of why the nutcase did what he did not to further politicizing the tragedy.  If Palin weighed in, then that’s exactly what would have happened. 

I am trusting that she will react…in time.  Actually resisting not to react this weekend speaks volumes of her character and leadership.  Can you imagine how hard it was not to? watching everyone flat out lie to link her to this idiot? She didn’t because it was the right thing to do.  I hope you’re able to see that in time.

Keep the faith.

Comment by Detroit7 on 1/10/11 at 1:03 pm

Detroit,

It won’t matter if she says anything now because I no longer care.  Her posting on Facebook, or emailing Beck, was lame and there is nothing that will change my opinion on that.  She had a small window of opportunity where she could have been a leader and she chose not to be.  All she needed to say was that the country needed to rally together.  That’s all.  Instead she said nothing, which was horrible.

If you are familiar with my blog, you know that I have been kind to Mrs. Palin.  Regardless of our opposing political views, I have been in her corner because she was lovely to me when I randomly ran into her on the street, and I chose to judge her on our interaction rather than her politics.

It is now hard to respect her and separate her politics, when she chose to be silent at a time when her voice could have healed, or at the very least calmed some of the anger and speculation.

Thank you for writing.  It is a pleasure to have comments that are respectful and provoke dialogue rather than more hate.  I appreciate your point of view and am, as always, keeping the faith.

Comment by Ilana Angel on 1/10/11 at 1:16 pm

My old friend, I could not agree with you more.  Words and images are powerful things and our political leaders have developed a bad habit of “swinging in the dirt”.  I am not a fan of Palin nor do I believe she is in any way responsible for what happened here.  With that said, I do believe that her posting of that map was over the top and completely inappropriate.  Our leaders should lead by example and that map was not the kind of example we should be setting for the American people.  The dialogue in this country has become way too heated, and it is being fueled by people who have put their own political views over what is best for the people of this country.  Enough already, Palin should stand up and speak out.  When you have the gall to put something explosive in the public view, own it and explain it.  It is the right thing to do!  We need to start fostering healing and mutual respect for all Americans regardless of their political views.

Comment by Kim on 1/10/11 at 2:00 pm

Why do our political leaders have to buy into an “us vs. them” mentality? Why do they, along with talk radio hosts and political pundits, act and talk like bullies, but then wonder why children behave so badly??? The shooter was clearly mentally unbalanced, and while he did not trust his government, I do not believe he was making a statement for either the “right” or “Left”, I think is his, to say it bluntly, crazy…and it is difficult to stop crazy.
That being said, I think all the public people (we know who they are) who feed into the fear and make it much scarier, and call names, and hype every thing into a HUGE SCARY DEAL…they really need to tone it down…be polite, be respectful, agree to disgree…because it is the grown up, mature, adult way to act.

Comment by tracy on 1/10/11 at 3:26 pm

Wow!  What a turn of events!  Now the target faces Sarah Palin; likely, kills her asperation for the White Houese.  Confuscious unfortune cookie slip say: “Hen who nest in Fox House and lay egg, soon cooked goosie.”  Ah so?  You betcha!

Comment by Noel Freedman on 1/10/11 at 3:54 pm

“It is now hard to respect her and separate her politics, when she chose to be silent at a time when her voice could have healed, or at the very least calmed some of the anger and speculation.”

My last 2 cents and then I am gone:

My reaction is that’s really too bad because it really could not have healed. 

At the beginning of all this, it was never speculation. It is only now that they’re somewhat shifting to speculation but before it was point blank blame, guilty as charged. Articles titled “Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ blood is on Sarah Palin’s hands…” are not speculation.  Her reaction would not have healed (yes, even an apology), it would have made things worse.   

I am sorry you chose to believe otherwise.  You’re probably thinking the same thing about me. Well, you know what they say about time, it heals wounds (The Nation’s).   

Yes, it was a pleasure. Best wishes to you and your son.

Comment by Detroit7 on 1/11/11 at 12:18 am

Kim and Tracy are so right.  None of what Sarah says does the country any good - it divides the citizens of the US.  People with low self-esteem try to elevate themselves by cutting down others and (if really immature) name-calling (adults may remember this from grade-school playgrounds…) - when they do it publicly, they can gather like-minded individuals (not that all Palinians are like this, but there are a lot of “lost” individuals out there who cast blame on others and are too lazy to work for solutions - the real bad ones would rather remain miserable so they can whine about it).  Sorry to rant - bottom line is it’s despicable when the country needs help and someone (like Sarah, or Yassir Arafat) can connect/rally people but they waste the talent on self-centeredness (Arafat had almost 100% loyalty of Palistinians - he used lots of time, money, and human resources to feed hate instead of helping his people move ahead).

Comment by Chris87654 on 1/11/11 at 8:34 am

I think whenever certain people are singled out it creates a dangerous situation. I don’t think anyone is really responsible for this tragedy except the nut case with the gun, but there is such an atmosphere of hate that has been created that it has become completely ridiculous. What has happened to “I don’t agree with you, but I respect your right to have your opinion”? There is such a lack of compromise with our leaders (and I don’t consider Sarah Palin a leader).  I just hope one thing that comes from this tragedy is a new level of respect and civility, but who am I kidding, there will be a temporary reprieve and back to business as usual. I just would really like Sarah to shut up and go away.

Comment by Kathy on 1/11/11 at 10:13 am

Can anyone, preferably a republican tell me why Sarah Palin quit as the leader of Alaska? Does this act prove that she is a quitter? Why hasn’t she made any public showings since the shooting? Is she a republican or a tea bagger? Obama is going to Aizona in enemy territory? uWhy isn’t Palin going???? She acts tough…is she retreating or is a retreating chicken? Or is she waiting for the right time? Like a fifty years from now Do republicans like quitters? Answer this and I’ll let the other questions go,

Comment by Action Jackson on 1/11/11 at 9:29 pm

To Jackson:

She quit because if she didn’t she’d be filing for personal bankruptcy right now. Right after she left the frivolous ethics charges legal fees amounted to $600,000. If she had stayed another year they could’ve continued with all the attacks. Even if she’s innocent she has to pay a lawyer to defend herself and it ain’t cheap. This was before her book deal. Plus her office was bombarded with requests for her emails etc. They didn’t know what they can or can say over the phone because they were attacked with ethics violation too. When the leftist method was to chain her and her staff down and bombard her with crap, they are all unable to get work done.

Comment by linda on 1/12/11 at 12:00 pm

Dear Ilana,

I am a reader and a fan. Thank you for sharing your views.

I was apalled at Sarah Palin’s recent statement asking Americans to point the finger for Saturdays massacre, directly and only at the shooter, and to “those who would manufacture “a blood libel,” saying “acts of monstrous brutality … begin and end with the criminals who commit them, not collectively” with Americans exercising their constitutional freedoms.

I am even more appalled today. Apparently, Palin, now believes she is being persecuted by the media and she has labeled this persecution as a “blood libel”. How can she be so insensitive and more ignorant? The term “blood libel” plays into anti-Jewish hatred by inference and history. Not only is Rep. Giffords Jewish, but accusing the media of “blood libel” plays into other obvious anti-Semitic assertions through use of tag lines such as “Jews controlling the media.”

Furthermore, Blood libel, is a term deriving from medieval Christianity. It started the rumor that Jews were killing Christian babies, and using their blood to mix into matzoh. The blood libel, refuted through history, has continued to present itself as a way for Christians at times to scapegoat Jews.

In your blog Ilana, you said “Sarah Palin should not simply say ‘if anyone ‘misunderstood’ what your map meant, you are sorry and are praying for the victims and their families.  If it was not your intention for anyone to take the targets literally, say it.’”

I believe you need to go further: Sarah Palin MUST instead acknowledge that words have consequences and that her blog post was a poorly-thought-put attempt to rally political support.  She should say she has thought better of her approach, is appalled at what her thoughtlessness may have wrought, and take real responsibility for herself.  Apologies for unintended consequences based on squirrelly statements are not apologies at all.

Palin should take the blame.  She may not have been the entire cause of the perp’s actions, but it is at least likely that her attitudes so broadly displayed at least supported this guy’s misguided point of view.  “Praying for the families” is just more mealy-mouthed and trite nonsense.

Having refused to tske responsibility, Palin’s use of the term “blood libel” is an abomination. As an American, and a professional woman, I am ashamed that she holds any position whatsoever in the political discourse of my country.
Pam

Comment by pam on 1/12/11 at 12:40 pm

A classic example of: so stupid she’s dangerous.
Sarah Palin’s chosen ‘job’ is to make bank via media whoring.By shit-stirring. Simple as that. She turned her back on Alaskans as Gov in search of the Almighty Buck. After her straight-up nonsensical announcement/proclamation/accusation defense today,  it’s clear her next position should mouthpiece for the Phelps Church. You know the group that protests Soldier’s funerals; the God Kills Fags Church. Palin is every bit as horrifying as that group. Maybe more so as she has the backing of well-paid shit-stirrers like Beck & Hannity & Rupert$$Murdock, who’d sell his own child into slavery if it made him a buck.

Comment by Leslie on 1/12/11 at 5:34 pm

Another word salad from Sarah Palin. Again, she tries to make herself the victim. She seems to think that her words don’t hurt anyone, yet she has always cried foul when someone says something about her that she doesn’t like. When I saw the term “blood libel” I immediately looked up what it meant.  How in the world does this have any relevance to her?  She is a total nut case and I’m sure now she’ll feel all picked on again. Go away Sarah….seriously GO AWAY!!!!

Comment by Kathy on 1/12/11 at 10:21 pm

Hi Linda,
“She quit because if she didn’t she’d be filing for personal bankruptcy right now.”

Wrong. She set up a website that collected donations to well cover those expenses.

“This was before her book deal.”

Sorry, wrong again. The book deal was on the table. In fact, she had it already written. She immediately, after resigning, began work of editing the book, in San Diego. 

“When the leftist method was to chain her and her staff down and bombard her with crap, they are all unable to get work done.”

Andrea McCleod, who filed almost every single ethic charge, is a REPUBLICAN, a former coworker. So where, exactly, is the “leftist” method to chain her?  Plus the the complaint that cost that most, was filed by none other than ...Sarah Palin herself, ON herself. Over 300K.

As far as being unable to work, that is already proven to be very grossly over stated. Upon resigning, and sealing the book deal, she received a reportedly 7 million dollars. I really think that is a strong motivator to resign.

Comment by Theresa on 1/13/11 at 5:20 am

President Obama showed real leadership when he went down to redneck hostile country Arizona. Thus by doing show, if you have to admit this man has balls!) Sarah Parlin decided to stay in Alska, huddled up before a nive fire, roasting marshmellows, eating a bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup, writing through FB, claiming that the media was blood libeling??? What does she think she ia a sacrificial Lamb LOL I said I would have no more questions for you Ibana, but I do:0 Who showed more character through the episodes of last week. Palin or President Obama? I guess she couldn’t go to Arizona, because she sold her Jet on Ebay. I for one do not blame her for the shooting. I dislike her as a politician, bcause she stayed home. She was AWOL during a time of crisis. Just like she quit a Govenor, and hust like she has left family for the glitter of Hollywood, and just like she has left the Republican Party, she will also leave her pundits.

Comment by Action Jackson on 1/14/11 at 10:43 am

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