Monday, January 10, 2011

The Truth About Bullseyes, Gunsights, and Incendiary Rhetoric

Let's be clear about something. The following is a typical campaign message which includes a map indicating congressional races in which Governor Palin wanted to focus on. I don't see any "incendiary rhetoric" in the accompanying note. The map, which seems fairly harmless unless you have political motives for claiming otherwise, uses surveyors crosshairs, which are commonly used for mapping. "Gunsights" or "bullseyes" are nowhere to be found on Palin's map. In fact, I spent some time on Google Earth today. They use graphics that are shockingly similar to the ones used by Governor Palin. Oh...by the way, the post has not been "deleted" from Palin's Facebook page, as has been widely reported.


Don’t Get Demoralized! Get Organized! Take Back the 20!

by Sarah Palin on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 6:41pm.

With the president signing this unwanted and “transformative” government takeover of our health care system today with promises impossible to keep, let’s not get discouraged. Don’t get demoralized. Get organized!

We’re going to reclaim the power of the people from those who disregarded the will of the people. We’re going to fire them and send them back to the private sector, which has been shrinking thanks to their destructive government-growing policies. Maybe when they join the millions of unemployed, they’ll understand why Americans wanted them to focus on job creation and an invigorated private sector. Come November, we’re going to print pink slips for members of Congress as fast as they’ve been printing money.

We’re paying particular attention to those House members who voted in favor of Obamacare and represent districts that Senator John McCain and I carried during the 2008 election. Three of these House members are retiring – from Arkansas’s 2nd district, Indiana’s 8th district, and Tennessee’s 6th district – but we’ll be working to make sure that those who replace them are Commonsense Conservatives. The others are running for re-election, and we’re going to hold them accountable for this disastrous Obamacare vote. They are: Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-1), Harry E. Mitchell (AZ-5), Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-8), John Salazar (CO-3), Betsy Markey (CO-4). Allen Boyd (FL-2), Suzanne M. Kosmas (FL-24), Baron P. Hill (IN-9), Earl Pomeroy (ND-AL), Charlie Wilson (OH-6), John Boccieri (OH-16), Kathy Dahlkemper (PA-3), Christopher Carney (PA-10), John M. Spratt, Jr. (SC-5), Tom Perriello (VA-5), Alan B. Mollohan (WV-1), and Nick J. Rahall II (WV-3).

We’ll aim for these races and many others. This is just the first salvo in a fight to elect people across the nation who will bring common sense to Washington. Please go to sarahpac.com and join me in the fight.

Stand tall, America. Real change is coming!

- Sarah Palin
These are examples of "bullseyes" being used in political messaging:




This is an example of "incendiary rhetoric":


This is what a "gunsight" looks like:


This is an example of a "gunsight" being used in a political ad. Pay close attention at the nine second mark.



Now that we're clear on the differences between standard political messaging and incendiary rhetoric; and surveyors crosshairs and "gunsights", I leave you with this:
To be clear, if you're using this event to criticize the "rhetoric" of Mrs. Palin or others with whom you disagree, then you're either: (a) asserting a connection between the "rhetoric" and the shooting, which based on evidence to date would be what we call a vicious lie; or (b) you're not, in which case you're just seizing on a tragedy to try to score unrelated political points, which is contemptible. Which is it?
Thank you, Mr. Reynolds. You said it much better than I ever could.

H/T to Kevin Dujuan from Hillbuzz.org for the graphics.

51 comments:

Pablo said...

RW, I think that you present a convincing case. As I stated before, I do not believe that Palin should be held responsible in any way for this tragedy. And the criticism about your "target' ad may be overkill. My point in my post was that the conservative movement at large needs to tone down its rhetoric. But I think that your post is correct in that Palin should be criticized at all for this incident.

Bill589 said...

Tone done rhetoric? IMO, we should shout the truth from rooftops (figuratively speaking). Our side should fight back hard, except that we use the truth against their lies, and we win in the end. The darkness hates the light and can not overpower it. (Something like that is in the Good Book.)

And my favorite priest says “Political correctness is evil.” “Things are either right, or wrong - correct or incorrect. They’re either good, or evil.” So in our opinion, we should not even aim to go back to being pc either. Tell it like it is, and don't apologize for doing so.

Bill589 said...

I meant "Tone down rhetoric?" (It must be time to go to bed.)

Doug NYC GOP said...

This tragic situation was perpatrated by a vey sick individual and political motivation, be it left or right, was non existant. To try and balme Left or Right in this is low, scabby and scummy. Sorry for the choice of words, but they reflect my sentiments.

Anonymous said...

I guess RWN, you have a very different Idea of what this type of speech was and is. Me? I think terms like 'don't retreat, reload' for some nutjob will be taken quite differently than those of us who are on the normal side of thinking.

While I do not think Palin is responsible, I think the tone of the country is, and she is one of the loudest on our side with this type of speech.

this guy was all over the place from far right to far left. And no, the GUN SIGHTS that were on the it APPEAR to be just that, for those who don't have a background in 'surveyors markings'.

The decency of speech has degraded since 2008. And yes, palin is one of those that have helped degrade the respect that we show to one another.

Just MY opinion, of course.

Anonymous said...

"And yes, palin is one of those that have helped degrade the respect that we show to one another." You guys would have a lot more credibilty if you won't have spoke against Anti-Palin hate speech in the first place nevermind promoted it. Oh BTW, where where you guys when the Left wanted to killed MR. Bush. You people have also failed to do your research. If you had, you'd realize that this guy had it in for for the Congresswoman long before Mrs. Palin become a national figure.


OHIO JOE

Anonymous said...

Did Martha forget to sign her name again?

jerseyrepublican

Right Wingnut said...

JR,

Isn't it ironic that Martha and Ellie are leading the charge for decency?

Right Wingnut said...

Dead Aim - Joe Manchin for West Virginia TV ad

For the record, I'm fine with Manchin's ad. It's called free speech.

Rep. Robert Brady, D-Pennsylvania, said he will introduce legislation making it a federal crime for a person to use language or symbols that could be perceived as threatening or inciting violence against a Member of Congress or federal official.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/09/shooting-prompts-legislation-to-protect-lawmakers-officials/

Anonymous said...

Jersey, This is my first comment on this post, so lighten, up my friend.

I didn't appreciate Palin's crosshairs/gun imagery/reload rhetoric from day one. It's hateful, and over the top. Everything she does is over the top! I'm sick of it, she does us no favors.

Now, the 2012 commercials write themselves. She is toast. I hope she goes away and allows us to salvage what is left of a 2012 shot.

And no, she is not responsible for the shooting. But she contributes mightily to the obnoxious and vitriolic political environment in this country. We'll never win with Palin being seen as representative of our party. I've said that from day one.

-Martha

Anonymous said...

What a joke for Mansour to come out and claim the crosshairs were for surveying? Ha ha ha ha.

Beyond ridiculous. Half of Palin whole schtick is gun imagery. OF COURSE it was a gun scope. Please.

The question now is: Will she shut the heck up, or double down?

-Martha

Anonymous said...

"I didn't appreciate Palin's crosshairs/gun imagery/reload rhetoric from day one. It's hateful, and over the top." NO, it is not hateful to politically target Congressmen who voted for ObamaCare. These Democrat Congressmen had no love for the people of their districts. I for one am thankful that Mrs. Palin helped get rid of my Congressman and several others. Further, the rhetoric used is by Mrs. Palin is rather mild compared to that of Mr. Obama and AG.

OHIO JOE

Anonymous said...

Martha, there is nothing to double down or no reason to shut the heck up...Sarah Palin did nothing wrong and it is unbelievable that you are trying to politicize this tragedy. The kid was not right in the head...he was sick and a far left idealogue...what did Palin do wrong? That's right you were talking out of both sides of your mouth again when you said that it wasn't her fault but...BLAH, BLAH, NONSENSE, NONSENSE, NONSENSE...

jerseyrepublican

BTW...how are you...haven't seen you around for awile...hope you had a great holiday and a happy new year.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jersey. I hope you also enjoyed the holidays and a have a great new year!

I don't think it's Palin's fault, but I think her rhetoric is irresponsible, hateful and does not reflect well on the party. That's all.

The incident casts a harsh light on Palin---from which I doubt she can recover. She needs to take Frum's advice post haste. (Don't shoot the messenger, he has some good points.)

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/01/10/david-frum-what-sarah-palin-should-have-said-about-tucson-shooting/#ixzz1AdyTTESe

-Martha

Anonymous said...

Martha, I agree this will probably hurt Palin in the short term and maybe in the long run...only time will tell how much traction this anti-Palin story will get. As new evidence comes to light about this kid...it is pretty evident that he was a far-left idealogue. The post Palin story will either fizzle when this light becomes wider known or the MSM will be forced to recognize the rhetoric, by all political people...including Obama, who have called for far worse than mere political action.

jerseyrepublican

Ellie said...

We just havedifferentstandards of right and wrong, RW. I have worked hard to teach my children to respect one another, not call names, not use hate-filled speech, etc. don't like it from EITHER side. Its just OUR side seems to be louder than theirs.

Anonymous said...

"The incident casts a harsh light on Palin---from which I doubt she can recover. She needs to take Frum's advice post haste." This statement is either nutty or shameful. Why should Mrs. Palin be thrown under the bus for a tragedy she had NOTHING to do with. Mr. Frum is the clown who need to pull his socks up. He is a disgrace to our country and party. It is foolhardy to take his silly advice.

"Its just OUR side seems to be louder than theirs." Huh???? And what is your side anyway?




OHIO JOE.

Right Wingnut said...

'Sarah Palin's Map'

OK ... An argument could be made that those are cross hairs. But Palin's office says they were surveyor's marks. Can that argument be sustained? I want you to click on this link. This is from the U.S. Geological Survey. The title of the document is "Topographic Map Symbols." Now ... start scrolling down the page. About halfway through on the right column you will see "CONTROL DATA AND MONUMENTS." Now remember .. these are symbols for maps - maps like Sarah Palin's map. The first entry under the title bar is labled "Principal point," and there you have it. Just to the right. Just about the exact same symbol that appears on the Palin map. It's a map symbol ... just what you might expect to find on a .... MAP!

Crosshairs are placed on people. Map symbols are placed on maps.


http://boortz.com/nealz_nuze/2011/01/sarah-palins-map.html

Right Wingnut said...

'Whoops! This Changes Things– Loughner’s Hero Was Barack Obama'

BUMMER… So much for blaming the tea partyers.

The left wanted so desperately to blame the Tucson shootings by an anti-Christian, anti-Constitution, left-wing, pro-Marx, antiflag, “quite liberal” lunatic who dreamed of killing cops on the tea party and Sarah Palin.

Now, they’ll have to eat crow.
Killer Jared Loughner idolized Barack Obama.

[...]

From his Facebook Page Loughner listed this group of radicals who inspire him:

People who inspire him include Barack Obama, Saul Alinsky, Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, Huo Chavez, Noam Chomsky, Mao Tse-tung, Joseph Stalin, and Yassir Arafat

It’s a bummer how that worked out, huh?
Loughner turned out to be just your typical leftist nut… Only more violent.
Eat crow leftist hacks.


http://gatewaypundit.rightnetwork.com/2011/01/woops-this-changes-things-leftist-loughners-hero-was-barack-obama/

Anonymous said...

Again, well said Jersey. I wonder why the anti-Palinites fail to mention that it was MarKOS (not Mrs. Palin) who said 3 times "she is dead to me." They also fail to mention that it was the Dems who used the phrase "enemy lines." Those with PDS are looking sillier and sillier.


OHIO JOE

Doug NYC GOP said...

National Journal (not a lefty site) has a decent article on this very topic regarding Palin's ads.

Certianly Palin can not be blamed for this event, but to come out now and declare the items as surveyor's marks looks like really shoddy and desperate damage control.

Palin did not make the distinction between crosshairs and surveyor's marks when the ad first appreared and stirred some controversy. She then introduced her "re-load" comment and even worked the phrase into her show, which also displayed lots of gunplay.

Palin likes to project that pro-gun, fiesty image and that's her right and choice. To try and change the tone now is not ringing true to my ears.


http://www.nationaljournal.com/politics/palin-aide-symbols-weren-t-rifle-sights-but-surveyor-s-marks-20110109

Anonymous said...

I wish Martha and Ellie would show half the outrage about the hate that the Left shows toward Bush, Palin and the GOP. Unfortunately the need to try to score cheap political points against Palin is more important. See this article for examples of hate by the Left:

http://michellemalkin.com/2011/01/10/the-progressive-climate-of-hate-an-illustrated-primer-2000-2010/

A.J.R.

Anonymous said...

RWN - You are being quite selective in your choice of facts for defending Palin. Of course Palin meant it to be the cross-hairs of a gun. She called them targets, and in her tweet inviting them to look at the map with targets, she said "DON'T RETREAT, RELOAD". Those words have nothing to do with maps, I'm afraid, and everything to do with guns.

Face it, and move on. These silly defenses/excuse-making show the weakness of your argument.

-Martha

Anonymous said...

AJR - Hatred on the left is a given. My outrage over the things they do is equal to yours.

I'm more worried about how the right presents itself.

-Martha

Anonymous said...

OJ, did you bother to read the article by Frum?

He has some great points that would help Sarah Palin deal with this. Please read it, and then get back to me. I'd really like to know what you think.

-Martha

Right Wingnut said...

Doug, You too now? Say it isn't so...

Do you realize that the left is using this to try to pass legislation (bill being introduced today) limiting free speech in political ads? I thought you were above all of this.

Anonymous said...

Doug, I did not see your comment before I made mine. You said it better than me, as usual.

-Martha

Right Wingnut said...

Rep. Robert Brady, D-Pennsylvania, said he will introduce legislation making it a federal crime for a person to use language or symbols that could be perceived as threatening or inciting violence against a Member of Congress or federal official.

There's a lot of grey area in that statement, don't you think?

Right Wingnut said...

It is now come out that the shooter idolizes Obama and a whole host of tyrannical dictators. As more of the truth comes out about the perp. and the media's attempt to link Palin to this creep, the BIGGER the backlash. It may take a week, it may take a month, it may even take a year, but it's coming.

Anonymous said...

Doug, it isn't new. Once again you have proven that you should research...she made the surveyor point back in the early summer when the campaign began.

jerseyrepublican

Anonymous said...

Well RW, it is nothing new after all that the Romnetites like to use Left Wing talking points. It is just dispicable that they do so at a time like this. Don't worry, I for one shall take this into great account whenever I vote.

OHIO JOE

Anonymous said...

OJ. Threats because of "Romneyite" comments don't help anything. We should all vote for the best candidate, in spite of what their supporters do.

I also don't think it's fair for you to always accuse Romney supporters of using left wing talking points. I don't know of any Romney supporter who does that. It's a baseless charge, and 'despicable' to use your word, for you to make it.

-Martha

Doug NYC GOP said...

JR - Do you have link to that?

Doug NYC GOP said...

JR - "Once again" I don't see any reference by Palin to surveyor marks for August, when researched.

Doug NYC GOP said...

OJ - You can vote anyway you choose, or not at all, it's your choice. I do find interesting however, that a high percentage of the Palin supporters are the ones who threaten not to vote for the GOP ticket should Palin not be the nominee.

If Palin's the nominee I'd have no hesitation pulling the lever for her.

That said, the best thing Palin should say right now is NOTHING. Let the media make fools of themselves in blaming her, talk radio and the entire Right. To try and defend a position, an ad or anything else right now is foolhardy and just fuels more criticism than it quells.

Anonymous said...

"I also don't think it's fair for you to always accuse Romney supporters of using left wing talking points. "

You proved my point Martha, you used nothing, but Left Wing talking points today to take political advantage. I sure hope that your camp leader is a lot more responsible than this. You clearly have done little to no research on the situation in AZ. If you did, you would give more blame to the Left than you do to Mrs. Palin.


OHIO JOE

Anonymous said...

Doug - I am a Palin supporter but I will support Romney completely if he is the GOP nominee.

I also agree about Palin saying nothing right now. The Left and the media are already making fools of themselves and will overreach. They always do.

A.J.R.

Anonymous said...

OJ, To say I use left wing talking points would mean I need to listen to them, or read them and I don't. I merely say what I think. Palin uses bad judgment, and this case highlights it.

What research, OJ? I know as much as anyone making comments. I blame the man who committed the crime, but I also said that incendiary rhetoric has no place in the Republican party. Many Republicans are saying the same thing today. I regret that our most visible leader uses it all the time, and makes us look bad. I've always said that.

The truth is that I don't blame you or other Palin supporters for defending her today---I would be doing the same if Romney were being accused. I'm just glad Romney doesn't go around constantly making reckless comments.

-Martha

Right Wingnut said...

A must read...

'The progressive “climate of hate:” An illustrated primer, 2000-2010'

http://michellemalkin.com/2011/01/10/the-progressive-climate-of-hate-an-illustrated-primer-2000-2010/

Anonymous said...

"I'm just glad Romney doesn't go around constantly making reckless comments." He may not make reckless comments, but he certainly produces reckless actions.

OHIO JOE.

GetReal said...

"He may not make reckless comments, but he certainly produces reckless actions."

Nothing "certain" about that statement.
Anyway, I read your post RW and I agree with the case you've made. Palin had nothing to do with influencing the nut who did this and its ridiculous to suggest otherwise.

She might want to come up with some new metaphors now, though.

Anonymous said...

"She might want to come up with some new metaphors now, though." With respect, it is a shame that Republicans are calling on Mrs. Palin to come up with new metaphors, but they are failing to ask Mr. Obama to so the same, especially in view of the fact that what she says is quite mild in comparision. For example, Mrs. Palin did not invent words like cross-hairs, target and even bulls - eye. I am sorry, but disgraceful is the only word that comes to mind.

OHIO JOE

Anonymous said...

BTW, here is an example of Left Wing talking points gone amok: http://hotair.com/archives/2011/01/10/clyburn-reading-the-constitution-provoked-murder-spree-in-tucson-or-something/


OHIO JOE

Anonymous said...

BTW Martha, what is your excuse for your camp leader for appearing on the view and on Letterman? As you know, these shows are known for their disgusting rhetoric.


OHIO JOE

GetReal said...

OJ,
I don't care if Obama uses metaphors that can be used against him and make him easier to defeat in the election. I would not, however, wish for a potential GOP nominee to use such metaphors.

I'm not attacking Palin over this or holding it against her. I just think she should use the experience to improve her political skills, as should any potential candidate. Hopefully, she will do just that.

BOSMAN said...

I just read that the shooter wasn't a Democrat he was an Independent. Now Romney leads all 2012ers with Independents, Does that make Romney Guilty by association?

Right Wingnut said...

LOL, in that case Romney just lost a vote in 2012!

Right Wingnut said...

The left has really overplayed their hand. Even Barbara Walters called out those who are bashing Palin. The blowback is going to be HUGE. The full effect of said blowback may not be known for quite some time, but there are already signs of it as we speak.

If I were in the Romney or Huckabee camp, I would choose my words very carefully at this point.

Doug NYC GOP said...

RWN -
Sounds like you are anticipating a Palin popularity boost here. I'd be careful with that kind speculation. No one will or should benefit from this situation.

I'd also be careful about giving people advice about exercising their own rights to free speech, which your post is defending.

As far as I can tell the Romney and Huck camps have not said a word about blaming Palin for influencing this.

What I have said regarding Palin, is she would best serve herself by keeping her mounth shut and Twitter finger still.

Sorry if those words aren't careful.

Right Wingnut said...

As far as I can tell the Romney and Huck camps have not said a word about blaming Palin for influencing this. - Doug

Many have been supportive, others have politicized it - not by placing blame, but by using it to score points by joining in on the pigpile. That's kind of what most of the MSM has done as well.

Anonymous said...

"As far as I can tell the Romney and Huck camps have not said a word about blaming Palin for influencing this." That is the problem, they are too cowardly to come to her defense.

"OJ,
I don't care if Obama uses metaphors that can be used against him and make him easier to defeat in the election. I would not, however, wish for a potential GOP nominee to use such metaphors." The problem is that he gets a pass from the media and the GOP is too sissy to challenge them. If we as a party as too sissy to stand up than we deserve to lose big time.


OHIO JOE