Sharron Angle released a statement late last night in response to the Tucson murders. Like Sarah Palin's statement, hers carries an implicit threat and more than a little cognitive dissonance. While violent rhetoric had nothing to do with this tragedy, she says, it is "irresponsible" to criticize her, Sarah Palin, or the Tea Party for their rhetoric. But she goes a step further, saying it is "dangerous and ignorant" and "puts [them] in danger."
Full statement below.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those suffering from the horrible act of violence in Arizona. I pray for the families of those lost and injured to receive all the support they need at this difficult hour.... I condemn all acts of violence. The despicable act in Tucson is a horrifying and senseless tragedy, and should be condemned as a single act of violence, by a single unstable individual.
Expanding the context of the attack to blame and to infringe upon the people’s Constitutional liberties is both dangerous and ignorant. The irresponsible assignment of blame to me, Sarah Palin or the TEA Party movement by commentators and elected officials puts all who gather to redress grievances in danger.
Finger-pointing towards political figures is an audience-rating game and contradicts the facts as they are known – that the shooter was obsessed with his twisted plans long before the TEA Party movement began. I have consistently called for reasonable political dialogue on policy issues to encourage civil political education and debate. Inappropriately attributing blame of a singular tragedy to achieve a political agenda is contrary to civil discourse, and is a media ploy to which I refuse to belong. Politico
As every single news article that quotes her statement notes: Sharron Angle received intense criticism for saying "Second Amendment remedies" would follow if Congress continued the path of its (duly elected) leaders. One of the full quotes below:
Manders: If we needed it [the Second Amendment] at any time in history, it might be right now.
Angle: Well it's to defend ourselves. And you know, I'm hoping that we're not getting to Second Amendment remedies. I hope the vote will be the cure for the Harry Reid problems.
Sharron Angle lost her bid for the U.S. Senate to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. By 5.7%.