DON’T BOTHER US WITH THE FACTS!

Message to the GOP

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/17/936949/-NYT:-No-widespread-blame-of-the-right-for-Arizona-shooting
NYT: No widespread blame of the right for Arizona shooting

On repealing health care

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027566.php
[Steve Benen] HOW NOT TO DEAL WITH INCONVENIENT INFORMATION.... House Republicans spent two years insisting that, if elected, they'd lower the deficit (that they created when they were in the majority). And now that they're in the majority, the House GOP's first order of business is a health care vote that would add $230 billion to the deficit.

"But wait," Republicans argue, "we can explain." As the GOP sees it, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office thinks the Affordable Care Act would reduce the deficit, and that repeal would make the deficit worse, but the CBO is taking too narrow a look at the picture. If we'd only go by the Republicans' version of reality, then the repeal vote is perfectly responsible.

But the GOP's pitch is almost laughably dishonest. . . . [read on]

It was true then and it’s still true now: 50 years ago Ike told us about the “military-industrial complex.” Can you imagine any President giving a speech like this now?

http://newstalgia.crooksandliars.com/gordonskene/ike-lays-it-out-military-industrial--0

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/ns/msnbc_tv-rachel_maddow_show/#41126403

http://www.onpointradio.org/2011/01/eisenhower-military-industrial

No, it’s no accident that the right likes to reappropriate the language of anti-Semitic and anti-black violence to refer to putative attacks against themselves

http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/pat-buchanan-left-has-been-conducting-something-of-a-lynch-mob-against-palin-beck-limbaugh.php
Pat Buchanan: Left Has Been Conducting 'Something Of A Lynch Mob' Against Palin, Beck, Limbaugh

http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/01/17/persecuted_republicans
America's most persecuted minority group: Republicans

Glenn Beck uses MLK day to compare his “nonviolence pledge” with King’s. No comparison

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027569.php

More on the “neoliberal” liberal blogosphere

http://my.firedoglake.com/cernig/2011/01/17/the-liberal-blogosphere-is-a-neoliberal-blogosphere-unfortunately/

http://yglesias.thinkprogress.org/2011/01/pas-dennemi-a-gauche

Sarah! goes back into the warm bathwater of a Fox News “interview” with Sean Hannity to whine about how badly she’s being mistreated (again)

http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/01/17/palin_hannity_tucson

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jan/18/sarah-palin-defends-blood-libel
In the interview, Palin - who is a paid Fox analyst - repeatedly said she was not attempting to defend herself. "This isn't about me," she said, "My defence wasn't self-defence, it was defending those who were falsely accused." . . .

"In a situation like we have just faced in these last eight days of being falsely accused of being an accessory to murder, I and others need make sure that we too are shedding light on truth so a lie cannot continue to live," she said. "If a lie does live, then of course your career is over and your reputation is thrashed and you will be ineffective in what we intend to do." . . .

Bonus item: “The Battle Hymn of Sarah Palin”

http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/battle-hymn-sarah-palin
Sarah Palin, she won't listen to their bunk
Sarah Palin's comin' south to hunt some skunk
Sarah Palin, she'll throw them all in jail
And when she gets to Washington
It'll be cold as hell [listen for more]

A response: http://firedoglake.com/2011/01/17/late-night-gory-gory-hallelujah/
Rifle-totin’ Sarah Palin,
English grammar? She be failin’.
On Alaska, she is bailin’.
Her star’s on the decline. . . . [more]

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).

I don't get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don't run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a "mission," it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

COGNITIVE DISSONANCE

When you don’t really have a coherent policy argument, it twists you into knots sometimes. Exhibit A: Tim Pawlenty on not raising the debt ceiling . . .

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/pawlenty-federal-government-should-not-rai
Pawlenty, whose failure to sign a state budget in 2005 forced 9,000 state employees to stop pubic services for nine days, told host Chris Wallace that GOP lawmakers “should not raise the debt ceiling” and should “take it one step further” by somehow “sequencing the pain of the bill” to prevent default . . .

WALLACE: OK. I want to go back to 2005, though, because this is your -- your time in the crucible, if you will. Back then, you ended the shutdown by agreeing to a 75-cent per pack cigarette tax. You called it a -- a health impact fee. Governor, didn't you blink?

PAWLENTY: Well, if you look at what I've done in Minnesota, all this stuff that the country's talking about, that the Republican –

WALLACE: No, but I'm asking you about that specific stuff.

PAWLENTY: Well, we had a compromise . . .

More: http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/re-writes-for-really-big-show.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/16/pawlenty-debt-ceiling_n_809633.html

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/tom-coburn-bond-vigilantes-are-more-danger

Exhibit B: Suppose the GOP was successful in repealing “Obamacare.” Do you think they have any idea what they would replace it with?

http://www.americablog.com/2011/01/house-gop-has-no-idea-what-to-replace.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/15/AR2011011502327.html
GOP lacks clear health-care plan

Exhibit C: Palin contradicts herself

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/david/liasson-palin-admitted-political-discourse-c
Liasson: Palin admitted political discourse can cause violence

So does Tom Coburn: http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/meet-press-coburn-blames-media-heated
[Nicole Belle] It's interesting to see the two strawmen arguments continually put up by right wingers in response to the tragic shootings in Tucson. The first one is a variation of the "But...but they do it too!", pointing fingers at the left. . . .

The second strawman tactic is to dismiss any discussion because there's no evidence that accused shooter Jared Loughner was influenced by Sarah Palin's crosshairs map or Glenn Beck's 20+ hours of broadcasting each week, railing at the tyrannical impulses of progress and equality in this country. . . .

And surprisingly, David Gregory appeared to have gotten that this Sunday. He asks Sen. Tom Coburn no less than three times if he agrees that the political rhetoric has become dangerously apocalyptic. . . .

But Coburn--the same man who said that doctors who performed abortions should be subject to the death penalty--doesn't think it's a conversation worth having and that we're all missing the real problem. Certainly, he doesn't like the media's role in this, although it's unclear if that is the real problem of which he speaks.

Finally, on his third try, Gregory gets Coburn to acknowledge that yes, there's no place for the kind of ratcheted up rhetoric that we're seeing. . . .

Obama approval moves into strongly positive territory

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/16/936641/-Democrats-erase-the-2010-Republican-electoral-advantage

As predicted: once the benefits have started to roll in, fewer support health care repeal

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/16/politics/main7251893.shtml
The nation is divided over the law, but the strength and intensity of the opposition appear diminished. . . .

More: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027561.php

Where is the left wing of the liberal blogosphere?

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/01/liberals-and-labor

In case you missed the Sunday talk shows

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/gillibrand-giffords-making-an-extraordinary-amount-of-progress.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/16/tv-soundoff-sunday-talkin_34_n_809625.html

Bonus item: Moron alert!

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027556.php
In a blog post [Saturday], Gateway Pundit Jim Hoft shamelessly claims that the White House conspired to get more applause for President Obama's memorial speech by "ask[ing] for it" on the Jumbotron. As evidence, Hoft ran a picture from a Flickr account which showed Obama speaking on the Jumbotron accompanied by the words, "school." and "[APPLAUSE]."

Hoft's purported instruction for applause is actually the live captioning for the event. It's the same closed captioning that's made available for television programs.

[Steve Benen] This is the kind of head-smacking story that makes one wonder if right-wing bloggers are secretly being paid by liberals to make conservatives look ridiculous.

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).

I don't get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don't run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a "mission," it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

WHAT WE KNEW

On “epistemic closure,” the right, and the lessons of Tucson

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027553.php
Conservatives watched Fox News; they heard Limbaugh; and they read National Review the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal, and RedState; and they started drawing conclusions. The left was blaming Palin and the right for the tragedy, or so they convinced themselves to believe.

As Jonathan explained, "[A]nyone reading just the Corner, or getting their news from such sources, would wind up with a massively distorted sense of what liberals were saying, and what the press was reporting. The conclusions that they would draw from that version of reality might be internally consistent, but would be radically wrong." . . . [read on]

A billion dollars wasted – and any of us could have told you it wasn’t going to work (and many did)

http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/security/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=229000747
The Department of Homeland Security Friday announced that it will end an over-budget, under-performing "virtual fence" that aimed to secure the U.S.-Mexico border . . .

A look back: http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9881621-7.html
Feb 2008: The Bush administration's plan to outfit the U.S.-Mexico border with a "virtual" fence consisting of sensors, cameras, and drone aircraft is running into technical snags. . . .

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_07/b4071044385724.htm
Feb 2008: The 'Virtual Fence' Isn't Working

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/government-inc/2008/02/a_virtual_fence_to_nowhere.html
Feb 2008: A Virtual Fence To Nowhere

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/23/virtual-fence-on-mexican-_n_98171.html
April 2008: The government is scrapping a $20 million prototype of its highly touted "virtual fence" on the Arizona-Mexico border because the system is failing to adequately alert border patrol agents to illegal crossings, officials said.

The move comes just two months after Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced his approval of the fence built by The Boeing Co. . . . Boeing is to replace the so-called Project 28 prototype with a series of towers equipped with communications systems, new cameras and new radar capability, officials said.

Less than a week after Chertoff accepted Project 28 on Feb. 22, the Government Accountability Office told Congress it "did not fully meet user needs and the project's design will not be used as the basis for future" developments. . . .

http://www.diggersrealm.com/mt/archives/002830.html
June 2008: Virtual fences don't work, that is unless you have everyone tagged like you'd do to a dog in an invisible fence system. THEY DON'T WORK. It has been proven time and time again, with failure after failure. . . .

Lowering travel barriers to Cuba

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/01/15/obama-administration-eases-travel-remittance-restrictions-with-cuba/

It’s just so darned REPUBLICAN of them. Take an issue that is settled by public sentiment and by law, and keep milking it to keep your base fired up. The fact that you can’t, and won’t, do anything about it is an advantage, not a disadvantage, since you can keep bleating about the “powers that be” keeping you from doing what your outraged constituents want

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027550.php
DADT dead-enders . . .

More: http://my.firedoglake.com/teddysanfran/2011/01/15/duncan-hunter-wants-to-cripple-dadt-repeal/

Digby foresees a big GOP/moderate Dem alliance on spending cuts and entitlement “reform” (i.e., more cuts)

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/setting-stage-for-big-kabuki.html

A lot of people at the time thought Ronald Reagan was showing the early signs of Alzheimer’s while he was still President. Maybe people in his inner circle knew – but of course no one in the press wanted to pursue the matter too closely. Well, guess what?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110115/ap_on_en_ot/us_reagan_alzheimer_s
Son suggests Reagan had Alzheimer's as president

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027551.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6CvinbpoPo

What his doctors said: http://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/05/us/while-known-for-being-forgetful-reagan-was-mentally-sound-in-office-doctors-say.html

Glenn Beck produces a “nonviolence” pledge. This is what it says – and he’s surprised no one wants to sign it!

http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/beck-claims-i-dont-use-violent-rheto
I challenge all Americans, left or right, regardless if you’re a politician, pundit, painter, priest, parishioner, poet or porn star to agree with all of the following.

I denounce violence, regardless of ideological motivation.

I denounce anyone, from the Left, the Right or middle, who believes physical violence is the answer to whatever they feel is wrong with our country.

I denounce those who wish to tear down our system and rebuild it in their own image, whatever that image may be.

I denounce those from the Left, the Right or middle, who call for riots and violence as an opportunity to bring down and reconstruct our system.

I denounce violent threats and calls for the destruction of our system – regardless of their underlying ideology – whether they come from the Hutaree Militia or Frances Fox Piven.

I hold those responsible for the violence, responsible for the violence. I denounce those who attempt to blame political opponents for the acts of madmen.

I denounce those from the Left, the Right or middle that sees violence as a viable alternative to our long established system of change made within the constraints of our constitutional Republic.

Of course no one will sign it: http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/ok-glenn-beck-are-you-man-enough-tak

News of the weird

http://www.kgun9.com/Global/story.asp?S=13849741
ABC News Anchor Christiane Amanpour hosted the remarkable gathering of victims, heroes, witnesses and first responders. It was the first time most of them had been together since Jared Lee Loughner opened fire in a Safeway parking lot, killing 6, and wounding or injuring 14 others -- a rampage that happened one week earlier almost to the hour. . . . . . On the front row was Kenneth Dorushka, who was shot shielding his wife from Loughner's gunfire; and J. Eric Fuller, who was shot in the knee. . . .

The theme of the event was "An American Conversation Continued" -- the idea being to continue the conversation that a madman's brutal rampage had interrupted. So it was inevitable that the conversation would eventually turn to politics. It did, toward the end, with Amanpour leading a discussion on a very touchy but obvious topic: gun control.

That's where the atmosphere turned tense. When Tucson Tea Party founder Trent Humphries rose to suggest that any conversation about gun control should be put off until after the funerals for all the victims, witnesses say Fuller became agitated. Two told KGUN9 News that finally, Fuller took a picture of Humphries, and said, "You're dead." . . .

Witnesses sitting near Fuller told KGUN9 News that Fuller was making them feel very uncomfortable.
The event wrapped up a short time later. Deputies then escorted Fuller from the room. As he was being led off, Fuller shouted loudly to the room at large. Several witnesses said that what they thought they heard him shout was, "You're all whores!" . . .

A Pima County Sheriff's spokesman told KGUN9 News that the department has charged Fuller with one count of threats and intimidation, and said they plan to charge him with at least one count of disorderly conduct. Humphries told KGUN9 News that he does plan to press those charges.

Sunday talk show line-ups

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/16/936639/-Sunday-TalkThe-Power-of-Words
NBC Meet the Press: Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK); Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY); Roundtable: Rev. Al Sharpton, Tim Shriver (Washington Post), David Brooks (New York Times) and Peggy Noonan (Wall Street Journal).

CBS Face the Nation: Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani (9/11); Outgong Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D); Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY); Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL); Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ).

ABC This Week: Town Hall in Tucson, AZ.

CNN State of the Union: Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA); Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA); Dr. E. Fuller Torrey (Stanley Medical Research Institute); Dr. Lisa Dixon (University of Maryland School of Medicine); Psychologiast Dr. Fred Frese; Author Peter Earley ("Crazy: A Father's Search Through America's Mental Health Madness"); Reliable Sources: David Frum (FrumForum); Dana Milbank (Washington Post); James Fallows (The Atlantic); TV Journalist/Anchor Bill Kurtis.

Bonus item: The teabaggers like to claim the mantle of the Founding Fathers. Here’s what Bill Maher says

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/claiming-founders.html

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).

I don't get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don't run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a "mission," it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

NOT NORMAL

Time magazine’s lead article on the Tucson tragedy explains that Jared Loughner was “at war with the normal” -- then goes on to explain that the “cabal” of lefties and righties who have argued over the tragedy are at war with the normal as well. Hmm . . . does that mean I should apologize? (thanks to Chris for the link)

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2042197-1,00.html
Because a taxicab has pulled into the parking lot, carrying a man who is at war with normal. And what he is about to do will unleash other forces also at war with normal, people who are turning our politics into a freak show for their own cynical or sanctimonious reasons. . . .

On “blood libel” and right-wing appropriations of the “Holocaust” and other Jewish-sensitive historical references as metaphors. Don’t think it’s an accident!

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/01/they_just_dont_stop.php
[Josh Marshall] I thought Sarah Palin's "blood libel" comment was crude and stupid. And I understand that many found it offensive, though I can't say I was really offended in any personal way. The truth is very few things actually offend me. But this actually did. The Washington Times says that the reaction to Palin is part of an "ongoing pogrom" against conservatives in America.

That strikes me as offensive and even disgusting.

I really don't know what's with this people.

More: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027541.php

http://mediamatters.org/blog/201101140003

The “good” John McCain resurfaces briefly – but for how long?

http://www.slate.com/id/2281296
Referring to the president, McCain writes: "He is a patriot sincerely intent on using his time in office to advance our country's cause. I reject accusations that his policies and beliefs make him unworthy to lead America or opposed to its founding ideals." . . . [read on]

Old Dependable

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2011/01/sarah-palin-to-speak-at-gun-co.html
Sarah Palin to speak at gun convention

It ain’t complicated: more guns = more gun casualties

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-bullets-fly-and-why.html

More: http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/rachel-maddow-more-guns-does-not-equal-les

Here’s something I’ve been wondering about. In the long term, mainstream Repubs are going to keep relying on the politics of hate and fear, because that’s their turf. But in the short term, will they be more circumspect, post-Tucson, in using phrases like “death panels,” “baby murderers,” etc?

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2011/01/the_morning_plum_167.html

OK, which talking point do YOU like better?

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2011/01/war_of_the_talking_points.html
Yesterday I reported here that House Dem leaders have settled on the phrase they will use to brand the House GOP's push to repeal health reform: "The Patient's Rights Repeal Act."

But some Democrats in the House -- being Democrats -- are already beginning to question this talking point, House aides tell me. They are circulating another idea: "No Care." . . . [read on]

Every President promises to reform and simplify the tax code, which badly needs it, and every President fails. Now Obama wants to take up the issue – but here’s why he won’t be able to do it either

http://yglesias.thinkprogress.org/2011/01/dont-look-to-the-white-house-for-tax-reform/

40 judges awaiting review and confirmation

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/14/934040/-Obama-renominates-more-than-40-candidates-in-continuing-judicial-crisis

No, I don’t expect the Democratic push on Senate rule changes to produce anything good – or, probably, anything at all

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/14/936343/-Uh-ohDemocrats-negotiating-on-Senate-rules

More: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/14/936332/-A-new-Senate-rules-reform-proposal-from-Mark-Udall

Blue Steele

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/14/AR2011011406854.html
GOP leaders began a weekend of strategizing Friday as the Republican National Committee voted out its controversial chairman, Michael S. Steele, in favor of Reince Priebus, the Wisconsin Republican Party chairman . . .

http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/01/14/liveblogging_rnc_race
Incredibly white Wisconsin man is your new RNC chair

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/14/AR2011011406697.html
New RNC chairman ran as the anti-Steele

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027549.php

Remembering Michael Steele: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/thanks-for-all-the-gaffes-michael-steele.php
Thanks For All The Gaffes!

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2010/01/08/top_10_michael_steele_quotes.html
Top 10 Michael Steele Quotes

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/14/its-so-hard-to-say-goodby_n_809393.html
It's So Hard To Say Goodbye

This is what happens when your national planning is controlled by the oil, coal, and nuclear cartel: Solar technology, which we’ve known was coming for decades, is now dominated by non-U.S. firms, and we have to buy from them

http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/can-buy-american-boost-the-solar-industry.php

Whitewashing history

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/01/enough_with_teaching_the_history_of_minorities.php
[David Kurtz] Tennessee tea partiers lay out their demands to state legislators about what should and should not be taught in public schools, including:

"No portrayal of minority experience in the history which actually occurred shall obscure the experience or contributions of the Founding Fathers, or the majority of citizens, including those who reached positions of leadership."

For Tennessee, does that mean sanitizing Andrew Jackson's role in the Seminole Wars? Or maybe it just means we have to go back to referring to Shiloh as a tragic loss for the Confederacy at the hands of that devil Grant.

Bonus item: No, not normal

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/history-right-wing-hate-talk
The History of Right Wing Hate Talk

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).

I don't get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don't run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a "mission," it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

NO PRESIDENCY FOR YOU

No, we’re not done with Sarah Palin yet

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-01-12/sarah-palin-says-media-guilty-of-blood-libel-why-her-speech-was-wrong/
[Howard Kurtz] With her defiant video, Palin continued—no, escalated—her war with the press, which plays so well with her strongest supporters (despite a recent thaw in which she actually granted a few interviews to the lamestream media). She continued her us-versus-them approach to political discourse. She punched back at critics rather than trying to fashion a unifying message.

I would say that sounds like the response of someone who wants to stoke her base and further her lucrative career as a culture warrior—not someone who is plotting to run for president. . . . [read on]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/13/AR2011011302993.html
As Obama urged unity, Palin brought division

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/palin-and-obama-ying-and-yang-of.html
[Digby] Yin and Yang

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/13/study_in_contrasts/index.php
[Jon Taplin] Let us just say that whatever Palin thought she was accomplishing with her speech, it backfired massively. . . . [read on]

More: http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/01/13/palin_2012_republicans

http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/dont-go-away-mad-sarah-just-go-away

http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2011/01/sarah-palin-unplugged

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/13/936009/-President-ObamaPalin:-On-a-civil-tone

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/13/936026/-A-comparison-of-the-President-and-the-Palin-in-172-words
“At the end of the day, after listening to the president, we’ll know why he’s president and she never will be,” said Robert Shrum.

Creepy. Weird. Revealing

http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/01/13/weird_palin_video



Yet another putative GOP “moderate” who is ready to sell his soul for the support of the radical right

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/01/whatever_it_takes_3.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/13/pawlenty-sarah-palin_n_808760.html

Kay Bailey Hutchison: not conservative enough for Texas

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027523.php

How’s that “transparency” thing workin’ for ya?

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/01/14/house_republicans_retreat_in_private_this_year.html
House Republicans Retreat in Private This Year

Brilliant!

http://www.americablog.com/2011/01/republican-louie-terror-babies-gohmert.html
Republican Louie 'terror babies' Gohmert drafting bill to allow guns on House floor

Tom DeLay explains his conviction: the jury was a bunch of liberals

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/delay_blames_liberal_jury_for_conviction_video.php

Credit where it’s due: Joe Wilson (R-SC) tells gun company to remove his words “You lie” from the “commemorative” gun supposedly produced to honor him

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/joe_wilson_glad_that_sc_armory_is_no_longer_sel.php

Rush Limbaugh complains that calls for “civility” are yet another left-wing plot to silence him

http://img.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_011311/content/01125108.guest.html
Civility is the New Censorship

Bonus item: Limbaugh “Straight Shooter” billboard (complete with bullet holes) withdrawn

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/clear_channel_yanks_straight_shooter_limbaugh_ad_in_tucson.php

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).

I don't get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don't run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a "mission," it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

MOMENTS OF CHARACTER

Sarah Palin knew she had to say something about Arizona. So she got her team together and presented another whiny complaint about how unfairly SHE has been treated, and how the real threat in this country is against the right. In the course of her comments, she picked up a trope from the right-wing mediasphere: that the claim that violent rhetoric from her and fellow Repubs might have played a role in the shooting was a “blood libel”

Somehow the Washington Post chooses to describe her speech as trying to “defuse” the controversy, when its patent purpose was to heighten and extend it

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/12/AR2011011206366.html
Sarah Palin's effort to defuse controversy backfires with 'blood libel' comment

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2011/01/sarah_palin_accuses_critics_of.html
Palin, wholly unapologetic all the way, ridiculed those who have called on her to tone it down . . .

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/01/sarah.php
[Josh Marshall] Today has been set aside to honor the victims of the Tucson massacre. And Sarah Palin has apparently decided she's one of them.

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/palins_use_of_blood_libel_mirrors_that_in_right-wing_media.php
Palin's Use Of 'Blood Libel' Mirrors That In Right-Wing Media

What does “blood libel” refer to? http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/13/us/13bloodlibel.html
The expression “blood libel,” used by Sarah Palin in her denunciation of pundits and journalists, has its origin in a charge against Jews that took hold in the Middle Ages in a period of rising anti-Semitism. . . . [read on]

Pat Buchanan approves: http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/pat_buchanan_sarah_palins_use_of_blood_libel_was_excellent_video.php
'Excellent'

Howard Kurtz: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-01-12/sarah-palin-says-media-guilty-of-blood-libel-why-her-speech-was-wrong/
Had Palin scoured a thesaurus, she could not have come up with a more inflammatory phrase.

From Twitter: http://twitter.com/msager/status/25196584882929664
Really? "Blood Libel"? Someone tries to assassinate a Jewish member of Congress, and you use the phrase "Blood Libel"? Shame on you.

Other than that, pitch perfect

http://www.slate.com/id/2280967
Sarah Palin's response to the Tucson shooting is defensive, illogical, distracting—and late

http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/01/12/palin_statement_giffords
Her defiant statement today -- "blood libel" included -- will only reinforce Republicans' growing doubts about her

More: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/12/935636/-Sarah-blood-libel-Palin-makes-day-to-honor-the-victims-all-about-her

Yes, it seems, Republicans ARE under threat!

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/01/bowing_out_1.php
Local GOP party official in Arizona resigns because of fears for his family's safety after threats from apparent Tea Party adherents. Says: "I love the Republican Party but I don't want to take a bullet for anyone."

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/gopers-feeling-heat-from-right-too.html
In 2007, conservative activist Mark DeMoss launched something called The Civility Project, seeking to get governors and members of Congress to sign on to a short pledge vowing to conduct themselves civilly . . .

Four years and thousands of dollars later, DeMoss is shutting down the project after securing such pledges from only three members of Congress while enduring countless insults from his fellow conservatives . . .

Palin thinks this is the way to become President? Here’s a little lesson in how real leaders react (even when they are the targets of hateful rhetoric)

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/speech.html
[Obama] “You see, when a tragedy like this strikes, it is part of our nature to demand explanations – to try to impose some order on the chaos, and make sense out of that which seems senseless. Already we’ve seen a national conversation commence, not only about the motivations behind these killings, but about everything from the merits of gun safety laws to the adequacy of our mental health systems. Much of this process, of debating what might be done to prevent such tragedies in the future, is an essential ingredient in our exercise of self-government.

But at a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized – at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who think differently than we do – it’s important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds. . . .” [read on]

Too easy: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/13/obama-and-palin-a-tale-of-two-speeches/
Obama and Palin, a Tale of Two Speeches

So much for bipartisanship: http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/abdication-of-duty.html
Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) turned down an offer by President Barack Obama to travel on Air Force One to Arizona for a memorial service on behalf of the victims of Saturday’s shooting. . . Boehner is instead scheduled to attend a reception on Wednesday night on behalf of Maria Cino, a former top House GOP aide who is seeking the Republican National Committee chairmanship. . . .

Picking up on a point discussed here yesterday

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2011/01/why_its_right_to_ask.html
[Greg Sargent] I'm going to second Steve Benen's claim that this column by Harold Meyerson is an important addition to the debate over the shooting:

“The primary problem with the political discourse of the right in today's America isn't that it incites violence per se. It's that it implants and reinforces paranoid fears about the government and conservatism's domestic adversaries. . . .” [read on]

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/palin-and-victimhood.html
[Digby] The real problem, in my view, is that there is a subset of Americans who believe that government is illegitimate if their chosen leaders aren't elected. They simply don't believe in democracy. Voting is a ritual for them, something one does, like go to church. But it's expected that their preferred leaders will always win and their preferred agenda is the only one that will be enacted. . . They believe that they are "the people" and Americans who disagree with them are either unworthy and irrelevant --- or they don't actually exist (which I think is far more common these days with the right wing noise machine.) . . . [read on]

Gee, I can’t imagine why anyone would object to this

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/south_carolina_armory_sells_engraved_you_lie_gun_c.php
Corey Hutchins, a reporter for the South Carolina alt weekly Free Times, reports that a South Carolina gun and accessories company is selling semi-automatic rifle components with the words "You Lie" inscribed on them.

The engraving references Rep. Joe Wilson's (R-SC) outburst during President Barack Obama's health care speech to Congress in 2009. . . .

More: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027495.php

Bonus item: Another chapter in the annals of “the kind of people they are”

http://my.firedoglake.com/teddysanfran/2011/01/12/nc-lawmaker-no-state-aid-for-hiv-patients-with-perverted-lifestyles/
North Carolina State Representative Larry Brown, proving that ignorance about public health knows no bounds even in the 21st century, wants to deny state assistance to citizens who contracted HIV through their own “perverted lifestyle.” . . .

[NB: Next up, no emergency room care for those injured while riding motorcycles without helmets, no lung cancer treatment for those who smoke . . . hey, we could save a LOT of money this way!]

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).

I don't get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don't run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a "mission," it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

MORAL AUTHORITY

No one is saying here that gun rhetoric and symbols CAUSED Loughner’s attack. It’s impossible to answer a question like that – human actions are “caused” by myriad factors. The whole idea of who or what to specifically blame is based on a model of causation that is superficial and ridiculous.

But what I have heard no one discuss is that it doesn’t matter whether such violent and irresponsible metaphors can be proven to have such effects – they are ugly and destructive metaphors IN THEMSELVES, and create a discursive context that makes moral outrage over such acts hypocritical for the people who have been talking that way.

THAT’S the point that needs to be made – for example, to ex-half term governor Sarah "Reload" Palin

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/gun_rhetoric_2010.php
A Campaign Season Rife With Gun Rhetoric

This is what makes Palin's latest bleat so lame and empty

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/01/12/palin_breaks_her_silence.html
"Like many, I've spent the past few days reflecting on what happened and praying for guidance. After this shocking tragedy, I listened at first puzzled, then with concern, and now with sadness, to the irresponsible statements from people attempting to apportion blame for this terrible event..."

"There are those who claim political rhetoric is to blame for the despicable act of this deranged, apparently apolitical criminal. And they claim political debate has somehow gotten more heated just recently. But when was it less heated? Back in those 'calm days' when political figures literally settled their differences with dueling pistols? In an ideal world all discourse would be civil and all disagreements cordial. But our Founding Fathers knew they weren't designing a system for perfect men and women. If men and women were angels, there would be no need for government. Our Founders' genius was to design a system that helped settle the inevitable conflicts caused by our imperfect passions in civil ways. So, we must condemn violence if our Republic is to endure."

By the way, despite what you hear on Fox News and Rush Limbaugh, a good deal of the criticism of Palin’s “crosshairs” graphic is coming from other conservatives

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/scarce/elizabeth-hasselbeck-sarah-palins-crosshair
Elizabeth Hasselbeck: Sarah Palin's Crosshairs Ad 'Despicable'

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/scarborough-asks-if-its-time-palin-and-oth
Scarborough Asks if it's Time for Palin and Others to Apologize for Violent Rhetoric

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027478.php
PAWLENTY DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM PALIN'S CROSSHAIRS

More: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#41029682

Needs to be said?

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/lautenberg_giffords_gun_control_high_capacity_clip_loughner.php
Lautenberg: 'We Don't Have More Madmen, We Have More Guns'

http://yglesias.thinkprogress.org/2011/01/more-guns-more-shooting
More Guns, More Shooting

[NB: Don’t worry, no gun control changes will result from this attack.]

http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/01/11/gun_control_dead
Why gun control is dead in America

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/11/new-gun-control-legislation-in-congress-unlikely/
New gun control legislation in Congress unlikely

http://my.firedoglake.com/jimwhite/2011/01/11/washington-posts-balanced-opinions-page-on-giffords-shooting/

Here’s a little irony for you: unarmed people stopped the killer; an armed bystander almost accidentally killed more

http://my.firedoglake.com/scarecrow/2011/01/11/tuscon-heroes-unarmed-prevented-the-armed-from-killing-even-more/
Tucson Heroes: Unarmed People Who Stopped the Armed from More Killing

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/01/11/concealed-carrying-bystander-nearly-killed-innocent-man-during-tucson-shooting/
Concealed Carrying Bystander Nearly Killed Innocent Man During Tucson Shooting

More: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027487.php
One state lawmaker said, "When everyone is carrying a firearm, nobody is going to be a victim." [read on]

Virginia Foxx (R-NC), one of the more idiotic members of the House GOP (and the new chair of the Higher Ed committee, for my faculty colleagues out there), goes all in with the crazy

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/gop-rep-loughners-beliefs-the-liberals-of-liberals.php
GOP Rep: Loughner's Beliefs 'The Liberal Of Liberals'

On the ridiculous idea that you can glean Loughner’s motivations from his list of favorite books

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/how-glenn-beck-and-fox-news-successfully-painted-az-shooter-as-hitler-marx-devotee.php
Animal Farm, Brave New World, The Wizard Of OZ, Aesop Fables, The Odyssey, Alice Adventures Into Wonderland, Fahrenheit 451, Peter Pan, To Kill A Mockingbird, We The Living, Phantom Toll Booth, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, Pulp, Through The Looking Glass, The Communist Manifesto, Siddhartha, The Old Man And The Sea, Gulliver's Travels, Mein Kampf, The Republic, and Meno

[NB: Blame Plato!]

Loughner was a pot smoker too – do we blame marijuana?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/11/frum-fingers-marijuana-tucson-shooting_n_807408.html

Glenn Beck: don’t blame me!

http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/beck-claims-i-dont-use-violent-rheto

CPAC shrinks their tent even further

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/01/things_getting_freaky_at_cpac.php

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/god-and-gays-in-gop.html

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/gop-rep-jim-jordan-also-boycotting-cpac.php

http://www.eschatonblog.com/2011/01/conservative-political-action.html

My state does something good

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/12/us/12death.html
Illinois Bill Eliminating Death Row Is Approved

Bonus item: the kind of people they are

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/11/935493/-CBS-poll:-Over-a-quarter-of-Republicans-think-violence-against-government-justified
CBS poll: Over a quarter of Republicans think violence against government justified

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).

I don't get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don't run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a "mission," it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

A TALE OF TWO CITIES

We said it here yesterday, and it was oh-so-predictable. The right wants people to believe that the real evil in Arizona came from the left. The real villain is the local sheriff, not the killer. And the real victims are on the right. Never admit, never apologize!

Compare and contrast: Jon Stewart, normally one to find a satirical angle in anything, was humbled and serious in his opening monologue last night. What has happened to our political discourse, and what responsibility do we all share for an increasingly polarized and toxic rhetorical environment?

http://politicallyillustrated.com/index.php?/news_page/video/2188/

Our old pal, Rush Limbaugh, of course, sees nothing to worry about at all, except those damn liberals trying to silence him and his ilk – even going so far as to say that the left is “taking aim” at the American people. Very funny, Rush

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/10/rush-bails-water-arizona_n_806912.html
Limbaugh's talking points are a guide to the ways in which the political right -- from establishment Republicans in Washington to the Tea Party at the grassroots level -- will fight back against attempts to tie them to Jared Lee Loughner. . . . [read on]

Well, now we know the real villain of the Arizona shooting – not Jared Loughner, who is increasingly being portrayed as a confused and disturbed young man, but Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, who has dared to suggest that hateful and irresponsible references from the right to “taking out” people, “reloading, not retreating,” “Second Amendment solutions,” and so on might have played a role in pushing Loughner into violent action

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/political_spin_conservatives_pile_on_pima_county_s.php

He’s still doing it: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#41010853

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

For obvious reasons there is an active effort now to portray Loughner as a “lone gunman,” a psycho whose actions are random and beyond comprehension. Then we don't have to try to explain it. But if the old mantra “guns don’t kill people, people kill people” is meant seriously, don’t we have to look further into the conditions that turn kooks into killers?

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/10/934980/-Rand-Paul-not-a-psychiatrist,-but-plays-one-on-TV
[Roll Call] Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said Sunday that, based on Internet writings attributed to a 22-year-old accused of shooting Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), he believes Jared Lee Loughner is a paranoid schizophrenic. . . .

More: http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/what_we_know_about_attempted_gabby_giffords_assassin_jared_lee_loughner.php

http://crooksandliars.com/karoli/loughners-politics-chaos-pure-chaos

WWSD?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/11/us/politics/11palin.html
[E]ven some Republicans sympathetic to Ms. Palin suggested that she needed to find a more substantive and nuanced means of addressing the criticism to avert any risk to her political standing and to maintain control of her political narrative. . . [read on]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/10/AR2011011006653.html
Palin caught in crosshairs

[NB: Who WROTE that headline?!]

Time to make money

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/tea-party-express-fundraises-off-giffords-shooting-tea-party-wont-be-silenced.php
Tea Party Express Fundraises Off Giffords Shooting: 'Tea Party Won't Be Silenced'

Well, now we know where the real evil of the mass shootings lies: not in the act, but in the left’s response to it

http://firedoglake.com/2011/01/10/glenn-reynolds-the-real-victims-of-the-arizona-mass-shooting-are-conservatives/
Glenn Reynolds: The Real Victims of the Arizona Mass Shooting are Conservatives

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/tea-party-express-leader-left-is-revolting-and-disgusting-for-blaming-the-tea-party.php
Tea Party Express Leader: Left Is 'Revolting And Disgusting' For Blaming The Tea Party

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/tea-party-leader-lefts-reaction-to-shooting-sinks-to-the-level-of-evil.php
Tea Party Leader: Left's Reaction To Shooting 'Sinks To The Level Of Evil'

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/kristol-palin-critics-practicing-mccarthyism.php
Kristol: Palin Critics Practicing McCarthyism

Fox News, feeling defensive

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027471.php

http://www.americablog.com/2011/01/foxs-roger-ailes-apparently-feeling.html

In other news . . .

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/tom_delay_sentenced_to_prison.php
Tom DeLay Sentenced To Prison

More: http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/01/10/tom-delay-sentenced-to-three-years-in-prison/

State budgets imploding

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/01/10/crushing-state-budget-cuts-wiping-out-stimulative-effects-of-tax-deal/
Crushing State Budget Cuts Wiping Out Stimulative Effects of Tax Deal

DR's Corner: United we fall, divided we stand half a chance

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7096OE20110111

[DR] Tuscon has made it crystal clear that no tragic incident will ever give the radical right a moment's pause. Every progressive should take note of that and keep it in mind when debating the merits of a united states. We are an irreparably disunited people, albeit dispersed and intermixed geographically to a large degree. The discord and enmity between our two cultures will only increase from now on. We are a veritable carafe of oil and vinegar shaken vigorously in 1776 and basically left to sit, with only a couple of significant jostles to keep things mixed in the intervening 235 years (the most recent being WW II).

The vision of a conservative Christian America held by the radical right is utterly intolerable to those on the progressive left. Likewise, the vision of a progressive secular America is utterly intolerable to the right. There is no compromise satisfactory to both sides. There is no acceptable middle ground. Various Venn diagrams of social justice, individual liberty, civil rights, equal rights, etc. simply do not overlap to the extent necessary to constitute a viable national vision. In some cases there is no overlap at all.

The right and the left have very little besides utter contempt for each other. Clearly and unmistakably the right portrays the left in continual mockery and derision. Anyone who suggests the left does not likewise portray the right in very much the same way is not being very honest. Perhaps we do not yell it to the world everyday on AM radio, but we speak it all the time amongst ourselves, within our circles. There is an utter breakdown of trust between cultural leftists and cultural rightists. In many cases we do not trust each other enough to allow our children to be supervised or educated by someone of the opposing side. We silently limit our business dealings with those who identify with the opposition. Personal friendships fail as we distance ourselves and our children from those who would lead them astray.

We are two peoples who are becoming more divided and separate day by day. A shared tradition of civility and cordiality is continually being worn away and is now very thin, if not gone, in some places.

Perhaps the time is right to begin seriously discussing a dissolution of the political bands between our two peoples.

We can no longer together achieve vibrant, efficacious compromises because it is abhorrent for either side to allow the other to claim any sort of political victory. A “modern compromise,” unlike those from a century ago, does not consist of an eventual union of the best each side has to offer, but rather a mutual rejection of each other's best ideas and a settlement on a desolate and barren “middle ground,” devoid of hope, justice, progress, prosperity, and enlightenment. And the opportunity for even these compromises are becoming rarer by the passing political seasons. At this point the only political compromises possible between the right and the left seem sterile and void, and increasingly result in political death to those who even attempt such compromises. All the while one truth is clear to progressives: feckless and impotent public policy will result in a dying planet, a poisoned environment, and the utter loss of hope for a bright future. While true compromise might represent a viable way forward, American-style compromise is a prescription for doom.

At what point do we choose another path? At what point do we “cut and run”? What must happen for progressives to finally realize that nothing can be gained from further attempts to educate, enlighten, and cooperate with those who will never trust us, respect us, or tolerate us? At what point is it no longer safe, either individually or collectively, to continue trying?

Perhaps we progressives believe we are fighting a “long war” of attrition, making patient progress, achieving incremental enlightenment with generational change, and so on. Perhaps we have sentimental feelings for our America, the Beautiful. Perhaps we still believe in what America “could be, if only ...”. But if we check the numbers we find that they not favorable and time is definitely not on our side. We are losing, and if we continue to fight the “long war” then we will lose, because we will run out of time.

When will it be clear to progressives that a radical change of strategy is warranted? What will it take for us to acknowledge that now is the time?

Perhaps we are now learning, with pain and regret, that change begins in our minds, not in Washington... and that hope is something we create with our enlightened actions, not a word printed at the bottom of a political poster.

Abandoning an abusive relationship constitutes positive change, and hope is alive as long we have half a chance at a better future.

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).

I don't get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don't run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a "mission," it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

ARMED AND DANGEROUS

Gutless liars

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/palin-aide-crosshairs-on-target-list-not-actually-gun-sights.php
Palin Aide: Crosshairs On Target List Not Actually Gun Sights

[UPDATE] A reader points out that Palin herself referred to the crosshairs/gun sights as "bullseyes" after the election. . . .

Remember months ago "bullseye" icon used 2 target the 20 Obamacare-lovin' incumbent seats? We won 18 out of 20 (90% success rate;T'aint bad)

Mark Kleiman: http://www.samefacts.com/2011/01/watching-conservatives/palin-and-the-surveyors-cross-hairs
The claim made by Sarah Palin’s staff that the cross-hairs in her now-notorious “reload” ad targeting 20 Democratic Representatives were intended as surveyors’ symbols ought to go down in history as one of the dumbest defenses ever offered. . . .[read on!]

Steve Benen: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027454.php
I wonder just how difficult it would be for Palin to simply acknowledge, "In retrospect, those crosshairs were inappropriate. I regret it." . . . [read on]

Michael Moore: http://www.americablog.com/2011/01/michael-moore-on-sarah-palin-and.html
If a Detroit Muslim put a map on the web w/crosshairs on 20 pols, then 1 of them got shot, where would he b sitting right now? Just asking.

Geraldo! http://networkedblogs.com/cMUwH
Geraldo Says Giffords Shooting Will Affect Sarah Palin’s Future

More: http://www.americablog.com/2011/01/daily-dish-vs-howie-kurtz-on-palin-and.html

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/01/10/bullseyes_vs_crosshairs.html

Arizona Republican representative Trent Franks advances the “isolated loonie” narrative, and urges us not to overreact to the inflammatory rhetoric of his party and their proxies on hate radio. I can see why Franks would look at things that way: here’s what he said last year

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/rhetorical-excess.html
A president that has lost his way that badly, that has no ability to see the image of God in these little fellow human beings, if he can't do that right, then he has no place in any station of government and we need to realize that he is an enemy of humanity . . . [read on]

New GOP Speaker John Boehner also plays down the event, says the job “comes with risk.” And here’s HIS reason not to be making excuses

http://www.americablog.com/2011/01/boehner-speaks-on-shooting-rampage-says.html
Boehner faced criticism last year for saying that then-Rep. Steve Dreihaus (D-Ohio) "may be a dead man" because he voted in favor of President Obama's health-care overhaul. "He can't go home to the west side of Cincinnati," Boehner told The National Review.

http://my.firedoglake.com/eli/2011/01/09/thanks-conservatives/
[Eli] If all these acts of violence are committed by dangerously disturbed people who are completely apolitical and uninfluenced by your steady drumbeat of “DEMOCRATS ARE TYRANNICAL AND BAD! KILL DEMOCRATS!”, then wouldn’t they be attacking conservatives in roughly equal numbers? . . . [read on]

Jack Shafer isn’t concerned about the state of political rhetoric today. I am not so sanguine

http://www.slate.com/id/2280616/

Greg Sargent agrees with me: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/2011/01/gabrielle_giffords_shooting.html

And so does an unnamed “senior Republican” http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027455.php
A senior Republican senator, speaking anonymously in order to freely discuss the tragedy, told POLITICO that the Giffords shooting should be taken as a “cautionary tale” by Republicans.

“There is a need for some reflection here -- what is too far now?” said the senator. “What was too far when Oklahoma City happened is accepted now. There's been a desensitizing. These town halls and cable TV and talk radio, everybody's trying to outdo each other.” . . .

What Ann Coulter said

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/question-for-ann-coulter-by-tristero.html
“My only regret with Timothy McVeigh is he did not go to the New York Times Building”

DR’s mini-Corner

“The AM radio rhetoric will not become mitigated by this incident. It will get even more venomous. There will be no apologies. There will only be the claims that Democrats are politicizing an isolated, random act of violence to try to silence true patriots.”

He’s right already: http://firedoglake.com/2011/01/09/right-wingers-rush-to-label-arizona-shooting-suspect-a-liberal-while-simultaneously-accusing-left-of-politicizing-assassination-attempt/
Right-Wingers Rush to Label Arizona Shooting Suspect a Liberal — While Simultaneously Accusing Left of “Politicizing” Assassination Attempt

http://www.slate.com/id/2280605
This tragedy has prompted not reflection but just another round of sparring . . . [read on]

More: http://tbogg.firedoglake.com/2011/01/08/these-are-not-the-violent-extremists-you-are-looking-for/

http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/georgepacker/2011/01/judging-from-his-internet-postings.html

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2011/1/10/934799/-Open-thread-for-night-owls:-More-than-rhetorical-violence

http://www.americablog.com/2011/01/lots-of-updates-on-giffords.html

http://www.americablog.com/2011/01/hate-is-rights-ring-of-power.html
[James Wolcott] The sad truth is that Hate is the Right's Ring of Power. They're never going to give it up . . . [read on]

Investigation continues into the Giffords shooter, his connections, and the planning that went into the attack

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/10/us/politics/10giffords.html
U.S. Cites Evidence of Assassination Plot

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/09/AR2011010904478.html
U.S. sees evidence of assassination plot

http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/01/09/dhs-memo-suggests-shooter-may-be-linked-racist-organization#ixzz1AYSpwPND
[Fox News!] According to a law enforcement memo based on information provided by DHS and obtained by Fox News, Jared Loughner, the alleged shooter of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, may have been influenced by a pro-white racist organization that publishes an anti-immigration newsletter. . . .

More: http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/01/dont_jump_to_conclusions.php

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/09/jared-loughner-youtube-videos-_n_806370.html

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/inscrutable-writing.html

Just thought you should know

http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/01/09/giffords_shooting_assault_weapons_ban
The high-capacity magazine of the semiautomatic pistol used in the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and more than a dozen other people on Saturday would have been illegal to manufacture and difficult to purchase under the Clinton-era assault weapons ban, which expired in 2004. . . .

If Loughner had been using a traditional magazine, "it would have drastically reduced the number of shots he got off before he had to pause, unload and reload -- and he could have been stopped," Daniel Vice, senior attorney at the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, tells Salon.

Between 1994 and 2004 when the assault weapons ban was in effect, gun manufacturers such as Glock could not market handguns with high-capacity magazines. If the ban were still in effect, it's less likely that Loughner could have obtained a gun with a high-capacity magazine. Stores could legally only sell used high-capacity magazines at that time, and new magazines could not be manufactured.

President Bush backed the ban, and an amendment to extend it passed in the Senate in 2004 but was never voted on by the [Republican-controlled] House. . . .

More: http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/01/09/magazine-for-gun-that-felled-giffords-could-not-have-been-manufactured-under-assault-weapons-ban/

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2011/01/09/shooting_renews_gun_control_debate.html
Shooting Renews Gun Control Debate

In other news. . .

DR says this is a big deal, and I agree. Many of these banks CAN’T document foreclosure information, because they kept such lousy records

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE7063M620110107
In a decision that may slow foreclosures nationwide, Massachusetts' highest court voided the seizure of two homes by Wells Fargo & Co and US Bancorp after the banks failed to show they held the mortgages at the time they foreclosed. . . . [read on]

Justice Antonin Scalia’s vision of America

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/weekinreview/09rosen.html

In case you missed the Sunday talk shows

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/09/tv-soundoff-sunday-talkin_33_n_806354.html

Bonus item: “A bad day for the haters”

http://www.samefacts.com/2011/01/uncategorized/bad-day-for-the-haters/
[Michael O’Hare] The massacre in Tucson is shaping up as an awkward episode for racists, nativists, and homophobes. First, the surgeon who saved Giffords’ life at the hospital is Rhee, and oboy, does he look like the right guy in scrubs at the right time. The kid who ran towards the shooting, stayed calm, checked bodies for pulses, and may have saved her life at the scene is Hernandez. Neither appears to have ancestors on the Mayflower. More awkward still, Hernandez is gay, which doesn’t help with the concern about unit cohesion, being able to trust gay buddies to put their lives at risk for you when the bullets are flying, and all that.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_01/027452.php
[Steve Benen] At a scene in which we saw humanity at its worst, it brings some comfort to also see humanity at its best. . . [read on]

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).

I don't get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don't run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a "mission," it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***

TARGET PRACTICE

Watch the Republicans and the hatemongers of the right fall over themselves denying any responsibility for inspiring the shooter of Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ)

UPDATE: Rep. Giffords, though shot in the head, survived surgery and is conscious and communicating. Six others, including federal judge John Roll, are dead

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/flashback_gabby_giffords_faced_threats_over_heath_care_vote.php
Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-AZ) was facing threats long before she was shot in the head today at a supermarket in Arizona. . .

[NB: Yes, that’s Gabrielle Giffords, listed number 4 on Sarah Palin’s target list.]

Hey, it’s only a METAPHOR, right?

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/flashback-giffords-warned-of-consequences-to-palins-target-imagery-video.php
Back in March 2010, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) responded to the use of violent imagery and heated political rhetoric from conservative activists -- mentioning Sarah Palin's use of crosshairs on a map over Democratic-held districts such as hers. [NB: hers!] At the time, Giffords said that people should realize such rhetoric has consequences. . . .

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/flashback-palin-used-crosshair-targets-for-giffordss-district-other-dems.php
The page was promoted through Palin's Twitter account with the slogans, "Take Back the 20!" and, "Don't Retreat, Instead - RELOAD!

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/flashback-giffords-opponent-had-m16-shooting-event-help-remove-gabrielle-giffords-from-office.php
Flashback: Giffords Opponent Had M16 Shooting Event, 'Help Remove Gabrielle Giffords From Office'

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/30/politics/main6633194.shtml
Nevada Senate candidate Sharron Angle backed away Tuesday from remarks in which she referred to the Second Amendment right to bear arms and the need to "take ... out" Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. . . .

The shooter appears to be a deranged young man with a bizarre view of the world, not easily categorized on the political spectrum. What we don’t know yet is if he had assistance and/or a network of support with others. You can be sure that the GOP response will be to focus on a lone disturbed individual

Who is Jared Loughner? http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/suspected-giffords-shooter-leaves-internet-trail-video.php

http://my.firedoglake.com/valtin/2011/01/08/jared-loughners-possible-mental-illness/
[Jeff Kaye] As more details are revealed about the background of purported 22-year-old shooter Jared Loughner, who is in custody currently for the shooting in Tucson today of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Federal Judge John Rell and a number of others, at least five of whom have died, a number of people are speculating about his possible mental illness. One diagnosis that keeps arising is schizophrenia. It’s worth looking into what that might mean. . . .

http://www.slate.com/id/2280619
We're too quick to use "mental illness" as an explanation for violence

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/arizona-sheriff-suspected-giffords-shooter-may-have-had-help.php
Arizona Sheriff: Suspected Giffords Shooter May Have Had Help

Expect a lot of this to follow

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/01/tucson-tea-party-leader-we-wont-change-our-rhetoric-after-gifford-shooting.php
Tucson Tea Party Leader: We Won't Change Our Rhetoric After Giffords Shooting

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/dana-bash-calls-arizona-shooting-wake-call
Dana Bash Calls Arizona Shooting a 'Wake Up Call' for 'Both Parties' to Tone Down Rhetoric

Yes, a pox on both parties, because Democratic constituencies are notorious for waving guns around at political events and calling their opponents murderers who must be stopped

http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/reportage-youll-never-see-fox-msnbcs
MSNBC's Contessa Brewer explores extremist rhetoric and right-wing violence

http://crooksandliars.com/david-neiwert/eliminationist-rhetoric-and-shooting
Eliminationist rhetoric and the shooting of Gabrielle Giffords: There were plenty of precursors

http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/nothing-to-see-here-folks.html
This is an astonishing list of violent rhetoric and political violence over the past two years. In fact, it's almost unbelievable. . .

Don’t listen!

http://crooksandliars.com/john-amato/fox-news-cuts-away-giffords-vigil-when-
FOX News cuts away from 'Giffords vigil' when Sarah Palin's name is mentioned

Sunday talk show line-ups

http://firedoglake.com/2011/01/09/sunday-talking-heads-january-9-2011/
ABC’s This Week: Amanpour in Tucson to speak to some of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ friends and colleagues including Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona, and the chair or the New Democratic Coalition Rep. Jeff Crowley. Plus, up-to-the-minute reports from ABC News’ team of correspondents from Tucson, Arizona to Washington, Roundtable: George Will, Dick Armey, Howard Dean, Arianna Huffington.

CBS’ Face The Nation: What Will Get Done in the New Congress? Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Democratic Whip; Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Chairman of Democratic Policy Committee; Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Republican Whip.

CNN’s State of the Union: “The brazen shooting of a U.S. congresswoman. A nine-year-old girl and a federal judge are among the six dead. One dozen more are wounded. A suspect is in custody as a country searches for answers. We’ll bring you the very latest from Tucson, Arizona from CNN’s full spate of resources.” Lamar Alexander, the chair of the Senate Republican Conference, and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin. Then, the freshman files, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA). White House shake-up, John Podesta and Ed Gillespie.

NBC’s Meet The Press: “We’ll bring you the latest on the shooting of Arizona Congressman Gabrielle Giffords, including live reports from the field and a special roundtable.” How will the Democrats follow through on their agenda with a slimmer majority? Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). [?]Roundtable: Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID), Ron Brownstein, Erin Burnett.[?]

Bonus item: Sorry, nothing funny today

***If you enjoy PBD and support what we are doing, you can help by forwarding a copy of this issue to your friends (using the envelope link below) or by sending them a copy of its URL (http://pbd.blogspot.com).

I don't get anything personally out of this project, except the satisfaction of doing it (I don't run ads, etc). The credit really all goes to the people whose material I copy and redistribute. But if I do have a "mission," it is to get this information into the hands of as many people as I can.***