Is Palin To Blame?
Sarah Palin is becoming defensive of the implications that she is partly to blame for the attempted assassination of Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Of course Palin will use this added publicity to fuel her moment of stardom, but what she really needs to realize is that this is her chance to persuade the public. Sarah Palin said in her 8 minute video on her Facebook page -- "There are those who claim political rhetoric is to blame for the despicable act of this deranged, apparently apolitical criminal," Palin said. "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?"
What a brilliant answer that addresses the issues quite readily but delivers no answer. She IS a true politician.
When Palin makes the comparison to the gun slinging days of Politics, is she trying to say that we are no different then we were back then. Is she saying that the civil rights that allow her to be in the position she is now should taken away? How can she be so blind to the current need for change?
Sure Palin feels she needs to defend her pride and honor, something her TV show apparently didn't do enough, but she has no idea the power given to her by fame and social media. When Britney Spears would take her clothes off, parents would uproar because she was an idol to their children. The same relationship is found between politicians and there actions and words. If politicians don't realize this, they are somewhat responsible for the actions of these nut jobs. It seems odd that in a profession where lives are on the line everyday whether it's the front line or the pharmacy line, the professionals turn a blind eye to their words that spark a reaction. I'm not saying Palin or any other politician meant for the tragedy in Arizona, but they might as well have if they don't recognize the need for change.
Palin is the main person under attack in this war of words, which puts her in the highest position of power. Right now, people want to hear what her response is. Why not completely turn the tables on her enemies and agree that politicians have been getting carried away with aggressive rhetoric. Not only that but notice that the environment has changed as well. Two-hundred years ago people shot single shot fire arms, now they can construct massive bombs or use poisonous gasses. All of which I assume our politicians want to prevent.
Could you imagine a humble Palin taking into consideration her opponents' point of view as well as her own? Her supporters may then feel betrayed, but they must then analyze themselves. Who are they supporting? A person? A political party? Or a nation?
Politicians need to answer real problems with real solutions. All this arguing as to who is right and who is wrong never welcomes solutions. It leaves one side bitter and angry. This anger trickles down into our media and out into the world. The world that the issues actually affect. The world where people attempt to make their own solutions. These solutions then become actions, and what Jared Loughner did is an action this country needs to agree to work together to avoid.