I don't want to link directly to the fetid cesspool of right-wing thought, but DailyKos readers should be aware that yesterday afternoon, Erick Erickson officially banned birthers from Red State.
The generous part of me that seeks reasoned public political debate applauds Erickson's belated action, and hopes that this sudden appearance of sanity (although motivated by political expediency) spreads to other precincts of the right wing blogosphere. I admit that a petty, cynical part of me will miss seeing these birther wingers make utter fools of themselves and bringing discredit upon their movement. But there is danger that this birther talk could goad some unhinged extremist to take violent action, and spread of this nonsense is irresponsible.
Erickson's edict of excommunication is reminiscent of National Review editor William F. Buckley, Jr.'s expulsion of the John Birch Society from the striving-for-respectable orbit of the New Right back in the 1960s. Speaking of the John Birch Society, these wacko conspiracy theorists are making a comeback as a sponsor of next week's CPAC convention, so don't put the popcorn away just yet.
The Tea Party meeting in Nashville last week loudly applauded Birther talk from the podium. It remains to be seen if more Tea Partiers will shed this birther nonsense or keep donning their little tin hats. Perhaps a far-right schism is afoot? Stay tuned...