dagblog - Comments for "Violence and Political Gain"

Fine post, doctor. Disturbing

acanuck — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 21:30:33 +0000

In reply to Violence and Political Gain

Fine post, doctor. Disturbing that it even needed to be written, though.

Well put.

trkingmomoe — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 02:48:40 +0000

In reply to Violence and Political Gain

Well put.

Thanks, gang.

Doctor Cleveland — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:37:38 +0000

In reply to Violence and Political Gain

Thanks, gang.

If public figures pay no

Ramona — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:29:01 +0000

In reply to Violence and Political Gain

If public figures pay no price for inflaming violence (whether they have inflamed it deliberately or merely through depraved indifference to the danger their words cause), then we have a system in which political violence and inflammatory speech is rewarded. If a course of action carries a benefit but no cost, then that course of action will eventually be followed. Politicians who refuse to endanger the public will sooner or later lose to those who have no such scruples. This is axiomatic. If the only price for rhetoric that leads to violence gets paid by your opponents, then the rules of the game will not only permit politicians to gamble with their voters' safety and their opponents' lives, the rules of the game will demand it.

This entire piece needs to be sent to everyone in the positions of power you cite. And to everyone who might be responsible for encouraging the inciting or inflaming of violence. And to everyone else because it spells out so clearly why we have to keep working at ending this cycle.

This is so important. Thank you, Doc.

"If you don't enjoy people

emerson — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:14:40 +0000

In reply to Violence and Political Gain

"If you don't enjoy people blaming you just because you used the rhetoric of violent revolution on the campaign trail, then don't use the language of violent revolution on the campaign trail."

It is surprising how many don't see the cause and effect of their actions and words. People want the freedom to say whatever they want but are often times not so keen on the responsibilities that come with free speech.

Good post.

Good sentiments as we

Richard Day — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:56:56 +0000

In reply to Violence and Political Gain

Good sentiments as we approach Martin Luther King Day. As Gandhi's followers would 'get out of hand' from time to time, the Mahatma would use various devices to get them under control.

So would MLK.

The good leaders know how to exert some control over their followers by example and rhetoric.

This is just right, Doctor

wabby — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:01:57 +0000

In reply to Violence and Political Gain

This is just right, Doctor Cleveland.