Violent rhetoric

 First of all, my thoughts and prayers to those that have lost lives or suffered because of the tragic shooting in Tucson. 

How much, if any, responsibility does the violent hateful rhetoric that surround politics have in the Tucson shooting? I am specifically talking about Sarah Palin and her putting a target over the district of Congresswoman Gifford. 

I absolutely believe from a legal standpoint the gunmen is liable. But lets talk about from a culture perspective. Everything we say and do on the this planet affects those around us. In my opinion, we are our brothers keeper. As a Christian we are called to love, care and pray for those around us especially our enemies. But are we enemies if we disagree. 

If someone put a gun target on my Facebook page then I was shot the next month, that action would definitely be up for discussion. 

For Mrs. Palin or anyone else to say "Acts of monstrous criminality stand on their own. They begin and end with the criminals who commit them, not collectively with all the citizens of a state, not with those who listen to talk radio, not with maps of swing districts used by both sides of the aisle, not with law-abiding citizens who respectfully exercise their First Amendment rights at campaign rallies, not with those who proudly voted in the last election." I find this statement interesting since she does appear to hold this belief in reference to the 9/11 attacks. We can all be hypocritical at times, especially to rationalize or justify our actions. 

This brings an interesting point. How much is Middle Eastern rhetoric that taut anti american hatred responsible for terrorist attacks on our country? I know this is an extreme example but I think it is a valid one. If we perpetuate and promote this kind of violent rhetoric, if we create a whole news channel devoted to riling up the anger in people, then we have to expect some consequences of this action. President Obama receives more death threats than any previous Presidents, even George W. I do believe this is a direct result of the perpetuation of violent rhetoric. If we continue this course with the mass media then those on the edge can be pushed to actions of violence. 

We can't stifle free speech, but we can make it a personal action to turn off, not listen to, not promote such violence. Let news channels know by contacting them or turning them off that you will not perpetuate this. If Fox News wants to be a voice for the conservative right wing that is fine, that is not what I am talking about here.

I firmly believe that those that disagree with me are not my enemies. Even those who don't share my pro life beliefs. That is a very emotionally heated issue. I don't think those who disagree are my enemies nor do I hate them. I pray for them. I don't think Republicans are my enemies, as much as I may disagree with a lot of their platforms and get very frustrated, I don't hate republicans. 

Wherever you stand on this issue. Remember that even if we disagree, are in different political parties or go to different churches or don't even go to church, we are all neighbors. We can all grow, learn and share much love between us.