The right will continue to deny any responsibility for the toxic atmosphere in America today and its frightening calls to violence. They want to argue that it is not their fault, there is no proof, and that the left does the same thing.
So, given shootings in Tucson, I think it is time for a pledge to be sent to politicians, commentators and the rest. And it would be interesting to see who signs on.
It would read:
“The terrible shooting in Tucson has raised concerns in some corners that the current language of politics may have contributed to this tragedy. While proving a direct link between violent language and this particular violent act may prove impossible, such dialogue must be abandoned. No human life is worth risking for the sake of using inflammatory words and statements.
I, therefore, make this commitment :
- I should not and will not make reference to using guns to confront those with policies I do not support.
- I should not and will not encourage Americans to be “armed and dangerous,’’ or make any other call to violence, to confront those policies and politicians I do not support.
- I should not and will not use images of violence – guns, knives, cross-hairs, nooses, or any similar symbols – as part of any political or campaign discussion.
- I should not and will not make calls for armed revolution in response to policies I do not support. I recognize that such statements constitute a rejection of the Democratic process and are tantamount to treason.
- I should not and will not engage in any other commentary that borders on treason, such as calling for secession. This term is not applicable if such statements are part of an actual effort to secede.
- I should not and will not label my political opponents as those who are intentionally undermining our nation, nor will I suggest to anyone that our fellow citizens are not “real Americans.”
- I should not and will not refer to those who support policies I oppose as Hitler, fascists, Stalin or any other historical reference related to murderous leaders or states. Such comparisons are both false and irrelevant to modern American society.
- I should not and will not refer to my political opponents as people who are attempting to murder or engage in mass imprisonment of fellow citizens who do not share their political beliefs.
- I should not and will not misrepresent the policies of my political opponents in ways that make reasonable Americans fear for their lives or safety.
- I should and will repudiate statements made by those who share my political beliefs if they advocate violence or armed revolution, insult the outcomes of the democratic process, or advance provably false allegations about a politician in an attempt to call into question his/her legitimate claim to the post to which he/she was elected."
If the Republicans are sincere in their beliefs, they should be able to take this pledge easily. I am sure the Democrats would sign it in a heartbeat.