From Instapundit:
So we've had nearly 8 years of lefty assassination fantasies about George W. Bush, and Bill Ayers' bombing campaign is explained away as a consequence of him having just felt so strongly about social justice, but a few people yell things at McCain rallies and suddenly it's a sign that anger is out of control in American politics? It's nice of McCain to try to tamp that down, and James Taranto sounds a proper cautionary note -- but, please, can we also note the staggering level of hypocrisy here? (And that's before we get to the Obama campaign's thuggish tactics aimed at silencing critics.)
The Angry Left has gotten away with all sorts of beyond-the-pale behavior throughout the Bush Administration. The double standards involved -- particularly on the part of the press -- are what are feeding this anger. (Indeed, as Ann Althouse and John Leo have noted, the reporting on this very issue is dubious). So while asking for McCain supporters to chill a bit, can we also ask the press to start doing its job rather than openly shilling for a Democratic victory? Self-control is for everybody, if it's for anybody. . . .
Personally, I've found it amazing that Democrat mouthpieces like HuffPo, which regularly have to shut down comments because of the ugliness of its commenters, get off with little or no criticism for the anger and hatred they stir up, but a lone whacko at a Palin campaign event is turned into an angry "pitchfork totin'" crowd.
Then there are idiots like this who argue--seriously--that when I point out a book and a movie written about assassinating George Bush argue that it's not important because they are "singular." Really? It's permissible to create, publish, and film these disgusting ideas because there aren't more of them?
Would these self-same zombies argue that it was acceptable for a book or movie to be written about assassinating Barack Obama? After all, there is, I suppose, a cap on how much rage is permissible in our society. Blow up the Pentagon? Ok. Talk about killing the president or vice president? Ok, as long as he/she is Republican.
There have been plenty of examples over the years of Democrats being unhinged by Republicans in general and conservatives in particular. They have advocated the killing, maiming, jailing, torturing and silencing of those who disagree with them. But one guy at a McCain rally yells, "Kill Obama!" and we are told endlessly by the press that this represents all McCain voters.
My guess is that these "news reports" (that aren't) will be used when they try to bring back the Fairness Doctrine. We'll be told that Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity are "stirring up hate" on the right and must be silenced. This is such a mockery of what free speech is supposed to be about, but I don't doubt it will happen.
EXIT QUESTION: Is comparing John McCain to George Wallace fair game? Should it anger crowds? What about burning yard signs?
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