Masters of Distraction
(Real Clear Politics) -- By David Harsanyi --
...Most Americans abhor violence and no serious person has offered excuses or rationalized the actions of the smattering of loons who have threatened politicians who voted for health care reform.
But this campaign of distraction mounted by Democrats meaning to smear millions of Americans involved in legitimate political expression is as transparent as it is distasteful.
The narrative: Fearful underdog Democrats (true if you ignore their notable majorities in both houses of Congress and control of the presidency) are fending off hordes of ferocious, irrational detractors to do what's right.
Democrats insist Republicans must condemn - over and over - this imaginary rise of widespread radicalism. In doing so, they are implicitly accusing Republicans of controlling the aforementioned radicals.
Other Democrats, like Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, went as far as to claim that Republicans were "aiding and abetting terrorism" against Democrats...
Rep. Russ Carnahan, for instance, claims that a coffin was displayed near his home, which I will grant would be awfully intimidating - unless, of course, it turned out that the coffin was used in a peaceful political candlelight prayer vigil, as it was. (Go to Google for pictures.)
Maybe Carnahan confused prayer candles for torches.
We also heard terrible (third-hand and unsubstantiated) reports of folks spitting out "N" words and "F" words at representatives walking through Washington protests. Now, I wouldn't be surprised if it happened. It happens all the time.
"I've received threats since I assumed elected office, not only because of my position, but also because I'm Jewish," said Republican Whip Eric Cantor, who had a bullet shot through his office Monday. "I've never blamed anyone in this body for that. Period."
Democrats claim that the "mischaracterizing" of the substance and motives of their health-reform legislation generates angry and violent reaction. Well, I suppose that's subjective. There is a strong case to be made that the Republican characterization of Obamacare is far closer to reality than that offered by Democrats.
The real problem is that Tea Partiers represent the means of obstruction. They must be discredited, first as robotic foot soldiers of the insurance companies, then as out-of-control and potentially violent mobs...MORE...LINK
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