Sometimes the political rhetoric can get out of hand. In the wake of the Tuscon Arizona shootings we all witnessed a very ugly display of what I call 'American Ugly'. For some reason or another, some chose to use this terrible event as a chance for political gain. It seems 'blame' needed to placed somewhere even before the facts were out. As we all watched the events unfold, we found out that the deed was done by a mentally ill man without affiliation to anyone, but damage outside of Tuscon Arizona had already been done.
The toxic levels of the vile insinuations reached an all time high. Sarah Palin took the brunt of most. People making accusations that a political graphic from her old website that depicted "cross-hairs" on congressional districts caused the mad man to go on his shooting rampage, therefore making it Sarah Palin's fault, how absurd!!! I'm not sure where it started but the mainstream media grabbed on this anti-Palin rhetoric and ran with it. Respected journalists!? I was appalled to say the least. On Twitter there were 1000's of disgusting Tweets wishing harm and even death on Sarah Palin and her family, it was quite unbelievable. If we weren't sure before, this was proof to me that we live in very troubled times.
At Point on Point Radio, my co-host Lauren Veach and I actually did a show on the aftermath of this event, but chose not to air it. Our reason was not to perpetuate this sad chapter any further. Our thoughts and prayers continue to those who are recovering from injuries and to the Friends and families of the victims of this horrible event.
When they held the memorial services in Tuscon, again I sat stunned watching what looked more like a political rally rather than a memorial service. I thought President Obama's speech was appropriate. I wasn't sure why the President didn't stop the crowd from all the holloring and cheering by just saying something like "though we appreciate your enthusiasm, this is a memorial service and not the time or place for that kind behavior", but he didn't.
I guess when it's all said and done, the division of our country moved a few inches further apart. I think people need to back off a bit, if this could happen to Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh, what makes anyone think they could feel safe in our country when it appears some of our own neighbors would wish us harm because of a political opinion, something is so wrong when we can't debate civilly.
From the other side of the world, we looked like a third world uncivilized nation full of division and hate coming apart at the seams. Congratulations to those who perpetuated the vileness for you have once again successfully stereotyped our nation as "Ugly Americans"!
-Nick
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