It is arguably the most disheartening aspect of the “Age of Rage.” Almost immediately after the shooting of Minnesota politicians and their spouses, the press, pundits, and politicians leaped to capitalize on the tragedy by blaming the other side for political violence. There is a sick, almost hopeful, quality to the commentary as political pundits hope that they win this round of the assassination sweepstakes with a criminal associated with the other party. Initial reports fueled such speculation on both sides. Some are now saying that Boelter suffered from “MAGA disease” while others are claiming that he is a “far left” goon. Still others insist that he is “a far right, MAGA, left wing loon,”
Both sides found just enough to weaponize the shootings. Vance Luther Boelter has connections to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who reappointed him to a state board. He is also someone who reportedly voted for Trump and opposed the abortion movement.
As we have discussed, there is a rise in political violence in this country. From January 6th to attempted assassinations of both President Donald Trump and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, there is a radicalization that is occurring within our society. It is the license of rage that I discuss in my book where unhinged individuals believe that any means are now justified to counter a political threat.
The fact is that rage rhetoric has been common on both sides of the political spectrum for years. Politicians continue to fan these flames, including many who insist that democracy is about to die in this country, or call Trump the new Hitler. Leaders on both sides have called their opponents “traitors” and threats to the nation.
The fact is that we still know little about Boelter. He had “No Kings” literature in his car but that does not mean that he was motivated by those protests. We still do not know what is contained in a reported manifesto left by the shooter.
The only thing that is likely is that Boelter is another unstable loner who took his anger out on others. There are reports that he was in difficult financial straits and suffered a series of setbacks. He was the CEO of an international NGO called the Red Lion Group, which appears to have run out of funding. There are reports that he was holding a variety of odd jobs to sustain himself.
The fact is that we have a significant number of people who are mentally unstable or delusional. Anger in their lives is easily translated into a lethal obsession for public officials or public figures, particularly when leaders call on people to resist opponents labeled as traitors or tyrants.
The rush to claim Boelter as a devotee of the left or right only shows how these critics are engaging in the very rage rhetoric that they are supposedly condemning.
We should know the actual facts soon, including the contents of this manifesto. So here is a novel idea: perhaps we should wait for those facts rather than engage in this frenzy of recrimination and rage.
Vance Boelter is or was just another killer male…an anthropological and societal affliction.
It would be a good idea to remain anonymous if this is the sort of thing you’re going to write.
* To whom are you speaking? Generally a restatement identifies the addressed?
Perhaps Vance Boelter is a manchurian candidate and a word, a phrase set him into action? Perhaps the car radio talked to him? No person does this without a disorder.
I think the timing of the murders right after the state budget passed might be significant. The newly passed state budget in Minnesota shifts significant state costs to localities. Local newspaper articles have pointed out, this will probably mean localities will increase property tax significantly. And they are very high in Minnesota to begin with. Investigators looking into motive* for these despicable murders might check whether being taxed out of his home was a stressor for the suspect.
*I condemn the murders completely. By “motive” I certainly don’t mean “excuse.” The thing to do is move, not murder.
* Or maybe Vance thinks all people deserve medical care? It helps in early treatment, disease prevention and contagion?
The Professor is drawing a false equivalence. January 6th involved illegal acts by a few, possibly including agitators from both sides and questionable government involvement, but nearly all major conservative voices swiftly condemned it. The violence was brief and limited.
Contrast that with the sustained political violence from the left over the past several years: looting, arson, and assaults often justified or ignored by leftist politicians and media. Kamala Harris promoted a bail fund for rioters. Some cities cut police budgets in response. Prosecutors let violent offenders walk.
This isn’t equal. It’s a false equivalence to compare a single, overblown event to years of left-wing unrest that was enabled, funded, and encouraged by political leadership. One side disavows violence. The other institutionalizes it.
If truth and fairness matter, scale, duration, and political response must be part of the conversation.
When I see looting and arson during a political demonstration, I don’t think “leftists”, I think mostly criminal opportunists. A few among them are leftist provocateurs, organized by somebody sitting at a computer who should be in prison along with the other criminal actors.
I have no disagreement with what you say. They are criminal opportunists, and behind their crimes is a huge organization, The Democrat Party.
Right on
S. Meyer,
Well said.
Thank you, Young. What troubles me greatly is that the left sees the burning cars, looting and shooting, but listen to their leaders who say it’s just a peaceful protest. Are there that many braindead people?
S. Meyer–
Idee fixe seems to be the problem in some cases and it seems one need not be stupid to be enthralled to one.
But though I have a word and maybe a bit of a concept for it I still have trouble understanding how one can ignore evidence before his own eyes. Like you, I find it very troubling. Troubling and dangerous.
“Idée fixe seems to be the problem in some cases.”
You are correct. Has today’s obsessive focus become a refuge from the fear of moral insignificance? A small mind, terrified of being forgotten or simply ordinary, clinging to a cause until it hardens into a religion of violence and self-importance. The protest isn’t about change anymore. It’s about mattering.
It’s the deluded answer to “I think; therefore, I am.”
“I protest, therefore I am.”
Edith Cavell said the night before her execution:
“They have all been very nice to me here. But this I would say, standing, as I do, in view of God and eternity, I realize that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.”
————
The Worldwide leftists have adopted Monty Python:
“Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition! Our chief weapon is surprise-surprise and fear… fear and surprise…our two weapons are fear and surprise-ruthless efficiency… our three weapons are fear and surprise and ruthless efficiency and almost fanatical devotion….”
———–
Raymond Chandler, ‘The Simple Art of Murder’: “Down these mean streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is neither tarnished nor afraid”.
———-
A small clique of mental midgets’ has convinced other mental deficient ninnies, the word [Illegal] when used in the context of Immigration is non-applicable! I have no hate or bitterness just bewilderment that the previously mentioned midgets do.
George W
Spot on.
What happens when you DEMAND peaceful coexistence?
Star Trek: TNG S1E25 “Conspiracy”
If Minnesota suspect Boelter was a Trump-loving Republican, why did he kill the House Leader who voted with Republicans in her last vote- and a pivotal vote?
(^from lin. This is what I meant by “nuanced.” And the fact that majority of the persons on Boelter’s “hit-list” appear to be Democrats, but who were the others who weren’t mentioned? Was it really Democrats, –or simply pro-abortion–persons who were targeted?) That’s why I have such disdain for selective fact reporting.
When you say that you have “disdain for selective fact reporting”, what you really mean is that you have disdain for alternative facts that don’t comport with your preconceived MAGA prejudices.
As Kelly-Anne famously pointed out, the MAGA cult prefers alternative facts.
Whackadoodle^^^
Thanks
“From January 6th to attempted assassinations of both President Donald Trump and Justice Brett Kavanaugh”
What about the shooter targeting Republicans at a baseball game? That didn’t make the cut? What about the DNC supported BLM riots? Those also didn’t make the cut? Strange. And the fact that you pretend J6 is morally equivalent to attempted assassination of a President is absurd. We’ve seen Democrats openly and repeatedly storm the Senate buildings, Supreme Court building, congressional hearings, etc., but they’re never labeled “insurrectionists” and put in solitary for years. You are a typical jew.
When the sitting president of the United States, pardons EVERY single person that committed political violence against congressional legislators on January 6, at the actual seat of power, it certainly normalizes such violence. That is an obvious fact and these types of perps understand such and also expect potential presidential pardons.
Absolutely no “congressional legislators” were harmed by anybody on J6 you lying faget. Now blow your head off you third world trash monkey.
They already served years, Jeff. Many were overcharged to create a false narrative about a major “insurrection”. Many should not have been charged at all. I support the pardons, but I’m also satisfied the worst offenders got punished. To be fair, it’s the Left that gets away with catch and release.
The J6 overcharging and abusive conduct by the Biden Administration was such a travesty, and did so much harm to the legitimacy of the justice system, that only a blanket pardon could repair the damage and restore legitimacy.
President Trump did not pardon every single person convicted in the January 6th Capitol attack. There were at least 14 Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who’s sentences commuted and did not receive pardons
Good point.
Actually, an Excellent point, one that generally escapes media mention.
Jeff, why do you embarrass yourself in this fashion? Your statement was shallow, containing errors and an inability to distinguish between violence and protest. I don’t need to say more as others have already responded with fact to your folly.
My advice to you would be to watch a variety of news other than Fox. ALL of the Jan 6 responses are canned Fox News uneducated talking point nonsense. Hell man. It’s all on video footage.
I’ve seen the different news sources. The actions of some individuals deserved punishment and got it.
The Biden Administration’s ruthless overreach on this and many other areas was punished by the voters after a four-year deliberation. Argue with them, Jeff.
Jeff thank you for your suggestions, but you missed the points made by those who recognize your poor choice of news sources.
“President Trump did not pardon every single person convicted in the January 6th Capitol attack. There were at least 14 Proud Boys and Oath Keepers whose sentences commuted and did not receive pardons.” I don’t remember the exact number.
“The J6 overcharging and abusive conduct by the Biden Administration was such a travesty, and did so much harm to the legitimacy of the justice system,”
“Many were overcharged to create a false narrative about a major “insurrection”. Many should not have been charged at all.”
You leave the impression that your news sources exist only to politicize news stories. Admitting to reading ignorant news sources is another source of your error and ignorance.
80% of all convictions were for simple trespassing, not exactly violent
My advice to you would be to watch a variety of news other than Fox.
Credibility and honesty have been chasing after your Soviet Democrat soul for years, Jeff. So far you’ve managed to successfully elude them.
My advice to you Jeff, would be to quit getting your political lines from CNN, and then coming here trying to claim that the rioters who unleashed a far worse assault on the White House just weeks before J6 were just as fully investigated, indicted, tried, and imprisoned as the J6 defendants. They weren’t – and normal Americans are aware of that.
Or alternatively, cosplaying as CNN does, that those J6 defends weren’t wrongfully charged and overcharged, while the Democrat street thugs that assaulted the White House and sent 50+ Secret Service to hospital with wounds they received repelling the assault were properly NOT indicted – and thus none needed a pardon. They were – and normal Americans are aware of that as well.
Pound sand jeff!! Your full of yourself! What We The People saw on J6 were individuals being waved into the capital thru open doors that were equipped with magnetic locks (some of strongest locks in the world). The only people We The People saw injured or murdered were individuals who were exercising their right to protest. Including one unarmed woman who was murdered by a capital police Lt. It’s not hard to see which side of the political spectrum you’re on, but if you intend to shoot your mouth off then at least get all or some of the facts! Foolish person you are!
@Jeff
Your stock photo gives you away. You are a troll.
Unlike a TV show where the cops have all the answers in an hour, this investigation will take time to play out. The first thing is to find Boelter and make sure he does not have any co conspirators. Once in custody, he can be charged and arraigned. All the while the police will be investigating Boelter. Eventually a trial or plea will take place and we will learn a lot more about Boelter’s motivations. This will all take months (if not a year or more) at a minimum. Be paitent.
They’ve found the car and cowboy hat near a stand of trees. Boelter may have ended it.
Thank you to the good professor for this post today. And I agree that we need to wait to see what develops in the facts.
BUT, aye, there’s the rub:
Exactly WHICH facts will we learn?
Sooo….Who ever heard of the Dallas Express? Not me. But take a look at this article and consider its revelations:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/did-people-hate-them-much-192001271.html
We speak of Free Speech and freedom of the press. YET, our nation and much of the world is controlled by MEDIA sources that promote specific political ideologies. The manipulation and representation of SELECT facts- and the omission of others- is purposefully intended to affect and influence the views of a captive public. Every day we are overtaken by the legacy media– the NYTs, the WaPos, the MSNBCs and the ABC/NBCs that have CHOSEN which facts THEY want to focus on.
If taken to be true -as are the above media sources- this publication presents a much more nuanced collection of “facts” that force us to wait.
Like the very old TV game show, “Will the real VANCE BOELTER* please stand up?”
(*the Minnesota suspect)
Two additional points:
(1) Minnesota suspect Boelter registered as a Republican ten years ago. Media focused on a comment by his roommate, who said that Boelter was a Trump supporter but had gone silent over the last several years…..
(2) Here’s a single example of SELECTIVE FACT presentation. Over and over, across print and televised news was the singular fact that a majority of Americans thought a military parade was not good use of money, quoting the single poll on this issue -Chicago-based AP/NORC.
What the MEDIA repeatedly failed to mention–not even once,- was that by a good margin of 11 points, 40 to 29, “More Adults Approve than Disapprove of Trump’s decision to hold a military parade.”
https://apnorc.org/projects/most-say-the-upcoming-military-parade-is-not-a-good-use-of-government-funds/
“More Adults Approve than Disapprove of Trump’s decision to hold a military parade.”
I think the parade had financial and political benefits outweighing the cost. Additionally and perhaps more important, it told young people they can love and believe in America. The left hates America, so no doubt they think the parade a waste. The parade also demonstrated a dichotomy between the left and the right. Young people will see it and move away from the left.
MSM is not only worthless it’s harmful.
Thanks for an article where clarity is demonstrated. This man appears to have killed based on his leftist ideology. He sounds like an idolater worshipping a false God. Stalin, a leftist idol would be proud.
Whenever I hear of events like this I try to remember six words; Richard Jewell, Duke Lacrosse, Covington Catholic
Prof. Turley
Excellent post.
While I am a bit at odds with you regarding your claims for “rage rhetoric”.
The over whelming majority of these types of killers are delusional people with serious mental health issues.
Frequently over the top public rhetoric “radicalizes” them and picks the target. But they were likely to do something violent regardless.
Idiotically after each of these events all sides rush to judgement seizing on the thinnest evidence to establish the political motivations of what are nearly always mentally unhealthy people.
Jonathan: One thing we know about Vance Boelter. On Saturday he was not planning to attend the “No Kings” protests in Minnesota. He was on a killing spree to kill Democratic state officials. That pretty much explains his motivations. But you try to tie him to Gov. Walz by claiming they had “connections”. The only connection they had was in 2016 former Gov. Mark Dayton appointed Boelter to a workforce development board. Walz continued the appointment in 2019 when he became Governor to ensure there was equal representation of both Republicans and Democrats on the board . The appointment ended in 2023. That was the only “connection”.
We don’t know much about Boelter’s background who is now the only suspect and on the run. State corporate records show Boelter’s wife filed to create a company called “Pretorian Guard Security Services, LLC” with the couple’s home as the company’s mailing address. Boelter’s wife is listed as the CEO and Boelter as the director of security patrols. Boelter’s resume claims he worked in the Middle East and Africa. As you mentioned Boelter voted for DJT and is against the abortion movement. A perfect resume for someone on the political right.
But you conclude Boelter is just another “unstable loner” who has “a lethal obsession for public officials or public figures, particularly when leaders call on people to resist opponents labeled as traitors or tyrants”. The not so subtle implication is that the “No Kings” movement and its supporters in Congress are somehow responsible for the Boelters of this world. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The fact is DJT is the only one to support political violence. He did it on Jan. 6, 2021 when he unleashed his MAGA supporters to attack the Capitol and severely injure the police. He did it again when he pardoned all the Jan. 6 insurrectionists who had been convicted of serious crimes. Now they are back on the street and will serve DJT as his Brown shirts if they are needed again to commit violence.
DJT supports political violence in other ways, like when Sen. Alex Padilla was brutally attacked by Kristi Noem’s goon squad at the news conference in LA. Or this week when DJT said that if peaceful “No Kings” protesters showed up at his “Birthday” military parade they would be met with “massive force”. That’s why the protesters avoided DC yesterday. They didn’t want the regime to have a reason to provoke violence.
The DJT regime is built on the use of political violence to enforce its policies. And it is led by a man who is a convicted felon and adjudicated rapist. Someone who thinks he can use force on a woman to get his way with her is quite prepared to use violence against his political opponents!
Well said Bill. Give my regards to Hillary.
“One thing we know about Vance Boelter. On Saturday he was not planning to attend the “No Kings” protests in Minnesota.”
How do we know that ?
He had printed sings for no kings events it looked like he was posting them.
Maybe he was gather literature about potential targets,
Maybe he spent the day posting no kings signs.
We do not as of yet know.
And what you claim to know – clearly you do not.
“He was on a killing spree to kill Democratic state officials.”
He killed ONE elected democrat and seriously injured another.
The specifically targeted people had a high profile for recently voting WITH republicans.
He purportedly had a kill list – but we are NOT being told much about the rest of that list – except that it may have an abortion tie.
But we do not know if the targets were prochoice or prolife.
He also had a manifesto – that is not being released.
” That pretty much explains his motivations.”
It does ? How ?
You are jumping to conclusions – just like those who claim the no kings days signs or targeting these pecific legislators is proof.
“But you try to tie him to Gov. Walz by claiming they had “connections”. The only connection they had was in 2016 former Gov. Mark Dayton appointed Boelter to a workforce development board. Walz continued the appointment in 2019 when he became Governor to ensure there was equal representation of both Republicans and Democrats on the board . The appointment ended in 2023. That was the only “connection”.”
Actually there are more connections – there are photos of him, his wife and Gov. Waltz.
You look at the limited and on the surface conflicting evidence we have and JUMP to conclusions that favor your politics.
It si possible you are correct – though I would bet heavily on serious mental heatlh issues.
It just as possible that you are wrong.
“We don’t know much about Boelter’s background who is now the only suspect and on the run.”
Actually we know a reasonable amount – he as a phd in education – those do not tend to be right wing people.
and he was active in NGO’s in the DRC formerly Zaire – again not typically right wing.
He held advocacy jobs in companies involved in food – jobs associated with providing food to the poor in Africa.
” State corporate records show Boelter’s wife filed to create a company called “Pretorian Guard Security Services, LLC” with the couple’s home as the company’s mailing address. Boelter’s wife is listed as the CEO and Boelter as the director of security patrols.”
Which YOU assume means he was on the right.
“Boelter’s resume claims he worked in the Middle East and Africa. ”
There is more evidence of involvement in Africa than that – and it is NOT in the security field it is in the food field.
“As you mentioned Boelter voted for DJT”
No, that is an alleged claim of an alleged room mate.
NO ONE knows or should know how anyone voted.
If they do a crime has been committed.
“is against the abortion movement.”
No we know his alleged target list had an abortion angle. We do NOT know whether that angle was pro-choice or pro-life.
“A perfect resume for someone on the political right.”
Not even close.
“But you conclude Boelter is just another “unstable loner” who has “a lethal obsession for public officials or public figures,”
9 times out of 10 that proves correct.
“particularly when leaders call on people to resist opponents labeled as traitors or tyrants”.
The left has been calling the right tyrants traitors, nazi’s etc for my entire life.
The ONLY thing that is new is the virulence with which you do so with regard to Trump.
“The not so subtle implication is that the “No Kings” movement and its supporters in Congress are somehow responsible for the Boelters of this world. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
While as with the rest of your claims – you amplify only the evidence that suits you often making assumptions that are NOT supported at this time.
I atleast agree with you and disagree with Turley – The viruelent rhetoric of the left and right does NOT create these killers. At the very most it picks their targets.
“The fact is DJT is the only one to support political violence.”
Said after the summer of love burned parts of cities throughout the country.
By far political violence in this country is nearly entirely from the left.
We are right now watching a war between the left and law enforcement in LA and Seattle.
ANd you are idiot enough to claim that only the right engages in politically violent rhetoric ?
ATS your nuts.
There are no arson attacks from the right.
They do not mass buy and distribute face sheilds from amazon.
They do not have palets of concrete blocks delivered to be busted up and thrown at police.
They do not buy gas masks to riot.
They do not freeze water bottles to throw at police.
They do not use lasers to blind the police.
They do not use bombs on police stations.
They do not burn police cars.
” He did it on Jan. 6, 2021 when he unleashed his MAGA supporters”
To “peacefully protest”
” to attack the Capitol and severely injure the police.”
Few police were injured – and a number of those claims are dubious.
“He did it again when he pardoned all the Jan. 6 insurrectionists who had been convicted of serious crimes. ”
Yes – you weaponized political lawfare and abused power and tainted all your prosecutions.
The worst sentences were for people who WERE NOT THERE, did nothing violent, advocated nothing violent.
In Doing so you have empowered Bondi to go after the organizers of the “no kings” protests as seriously violent criminals in exactly the same way.
Turn about is fair play.
SO FAR Trump and Bondi are being tempered in their use of law enforcement.
They could easily press charges in the same way the left did and arrest thousands of non violent left wing protestors.
“Now they are back on the street and will serve DJT as his Brown shirts if they are needed again to commit violence.”
Despie claims of large scale right wing counter protests – there were none, and outside of LA and Seattle the “no kings” protests were a fizzle.
“Sen. Alex Padilla was brutally attacked by Kristi Noem’s goon squad at the news conference in LA. ”
That would be an unknown person claiming to be a US senator rushed the podium and was stopped by Secret Service until he was properly identified.
Noem did NOT direct anyone. Trump did NOT direct anyone.
Thos responsible for securing government officials react ON THEIR OWN to perceived threats.
They do so independent of politics.
The protective details of those in govenrment are not “right wing goon squads” nor are they left wing goon squads.
They have a job to do. TGhey will stop – using force if necescary ANYONE who rushes at their protectee.
They DO NOT spend hours pouring over photos of the 535 members of congress so that they will recognize each on sight so that they can allow Senators and congressmen the oportunity to assault those they protect.
This was a press conference – while SEn. Padila has not been invited – he was welcome.
He was welcome to ask his questions.
But this was Noems press conference NOT a hearing in the senate. Padila does NOT get to rush to the front to take over and deny the rest of the press an oportunity to ask questions. It was a DHS press conference NOT a senate hearing. Padila was NOT in control.
He was separately given a 15 minute conference with Noem to ask whatever questions he wished.
Senators, can hold hearings, issue subpoeona’s, drag cabinet officials before committees, demand meetings. Hold their own press conferences.
They have far more power than ordinary people or even the rest of the press to get answers.
But with all that power – at a public press conference called by DHS a sanator has no more right to interrupt or take over than a reporter from epoch times.
Padila was grandstanding – and things could have gotten dangerous. Security protected their protectee,
They could have charged him with disorderly conduct – they did not.
On POSITIVELY confirming his identity he was released and given 15min to ask Noem his questions.
“Or this week when DJT said that if peaceful “No Kings” protesters showed up at his “Birthday” military parade they would be met with “massive force”. ”
The parade was the 250th birthday of the US army – it has NOTHING to do with Trump except that presidents typically attend such events.
It is a really stupid idea for protestors to try to disrupt a military parade.
No one should have had to tell those of you on the left that – but unfortunately we do.
“That’s why the protesters avoided DC yesterday. ”
No, the no kings day protests outside of Seattle and LA were a fizzle
“They didn’t want the regime to have a reason to provoke violence.”
ROFL
if you throw rock, burn cars, loot, … you will be met with the FORCE of law.
“The DJT regime is built on the use of political violence to enforce its policies.”
That is literally the definition of GOVERNMENT.
The use of FORCE to impose the law.
What distinguishes the left from the right, is that conservative use FORCE to enforce centuries old
understandings of the rule of law.
While the left uses FORCE to impose whatever their flavor of the month idea is.
The right imposes by FORCE norms that 90% of people agree with.
The left imposes by FORCE policies that 80% of people oppose.
But ALL govenrment is FORCE.
“it is led by a man who is a convicted felon”
Not for long.
“adjudicated rapist.”
Flase and saying that could subject you to a multimillion dollar defimation claim.
” Someone who thinks he can use force on a woman to get his way”
And your evidence of that ?
Even nut job EJC did NOT claim that.
Nor Did Daniels,
nor has anyone who may credibily have had relations with Trump.
“is quite prepared to use violence against his political opponents!”
How so ?
It is NOT trump that sicced DOJ on political oponents.
It is NOT Trump who sent FBI and SWAT teams after ordinary people with different politics.
It is NOT Trump who sicced special counsels on a political opponent.
You are constantly saying that Trump MIGHT do what YOU have actually done.
A burly black-clad man attempted to charge the podium when Secretary Noem was speaking at a press conference. He was neither an accredited journalist nor an expected visitor.
The much smaller police officers stopped him before he could reach Noem, and began wrestling him out of the room.
On his way out, the burly man improbably claimed to be a Senator, and said he had questions to ask.
But usually, journalists remain in their seats and wait to be acknowledged. They will raise their hands, or call out to the speaker. They never do rush the.podium.
*. Sen. Padilla set a very poor example rushing in unannounced when people are under daily death threats and many shot. Sen. Padilla set a violent raging example exactly the opposite of what should be done.
Noem remained calm and met with him on the spot no doubt to evaluate his mental condition.
Sen. Padilla then went his way to a news spot to claim his freedom of speech and oversight. It was more of an assembly and expression of grievances than speech. Sen. Padilla is not very bright and should not be in congress. His violence betrays him.
Then the Hortmans are murdered and we see the reason for processes and decorum.
That’s my take Michael did. You brought it up.
I left out press, Michael. Perhaps the assembled press needed oversight.
Wrong
He was appointed to the council by Dayton but printed to the board by walz
“The fact is DJT is the only one to support political violence.”
Brian Thompson could not be reached for comment.
There is a reason that Democrats vote in lock step.
I pray for John Fetterman.
Well Professor Turley, you and I agree more often than not. However, the man had “No Kings” hand outs in the seat of his car. Are you so innocent as to believe that a vote to end the Minnesota state medicare program providing services to illegal aliens would not have spread like wild fire through the Democratic ranks. The woman who was killed was interviewed on television in prime time and while explaining her vote broke down in tears because she knew how her brothers and sisters in the party would soon ostracize her. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/more-fierce-walz-calls-for-tough-anti-trump-rhetoric/ss-AA1GB7ck
It’s the same message being sent by Maxine Waters who said if you see them in a public place get up in their faces. There is no question. The call to action has been heard and acted upon across the nation and the Democratic leaders are supplying the face shields to the troops in the field. Have you forgotten that they siced their attack dog on Republicans playing softball and that Chuck Schumer said that Judge Kavanaugh would reap the whirl wind and soon after he said this their was an attempt on Judge Kavanaugh’s life? These peoples words are taken seriously by the members of the far left.
By now you should understand who they are.
Thank you. Well said!
I’m a big believer in the “slippery slope”.
What we’re going thru today, I believe, can trace it’s roots back to 1963 when SCOTUS took prayer out of schools, then, a mere decade later, made abortion the law of the land. Abortion, IMHO, is the ultimate form of dehumanization. Abortion supporters have been known to refer to the fetus as a clump of cells, an unviable tissue mass, etc. At one point, the California state asembly was contemplating a bill which would’ve allowed a baby’s life to be terminated a full 28 days after birth. Also, at one point, Ralph Northam, a governor, don’t remember from which state, actually oppined about how this process would work — seemingly in favor of just such a law in his state.
Now, the New York state legislature is taking up an assisted suicide bill. Heck, I think I’ve even heard of some individuals (might’ve been in Biden’s first campaign in 2020) who believe, once you attain the age of 75, you should just simply die, because you’re a burden on society. Again, talk about dehumanization.
Back in the 90s, there was a Democrat congressman who railed against Republicans, saying they were coming for the sick, coming for the elderly, etc, etc. also, they accused Republicans of wanting dirty air and water, wanted granny to eat Alpo, and that she should be throwen over a cliff. Todays Dems — Schumer and Jeffreys, are telling people, quite literally, if the Big Beautiful Bill passes, some 14 million people are going to die. Hyperbole, methings so — all the better to scare you with my dear.
Now, enter Internet. Internet is supposed to bring people together, etc, but it allows people to be blissfully anonymous, so they can say, do and be anything they choose, with little or no consequences — reading some of the comments here on this blog is proof-positive of this. I’ve seen people refer to others on here as gay, pedophiles, etc. I’m not a lawyer, but if someone called someone else a pedophile on a public forum, without proof, that would constitute libel? Why can this happen, you ask? Simple. If you can’t see the person, actually hear their voice, etc, it’s easy to say such things. George Carlin once said that the amount of an A-hole a person was is directly proportional to the distance you are away from them when you discover the “flaw”. How right he was. I think people forget, on the Internet, that the other people out there are real flesh and blood human beings, just like themselves, with thoughts, feelings, etc. Again, our friend, the Internet, further dehumanizes people.
In my estimation, the two single truisms are these:
1. After Cain killed his brother, Abel, God set a mark upon him so people would know he had killed, but I think he also said no one could kill him by of virtue of that mark. God then admonished Cain that, “He who sheddeth the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed”. Not sure if that was a divine endorsement of the death penalty, but a truism, for sure.
2. In the garden of Gethsemane, when Peter cut off the ear of the Centurion, Jesus admonished him to put away his sword, then said, “He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword”. Again, a truism, if ever there was one.
The longer we humans persist in dehumanizing each other, the more likely we are to see this type of violence continue to grow and spread, and that can’t end well for any of us.
Folks, we all need to remember just one thing. It never matters until it affects us personally. Once it does, it matter a whole hell of a lot!
I voted for Trump 3 times, so I guess I’m a member of the “MAGA Cult”. That said, I don’t agree with every decision Trump makes, and I also believe, Democrat or Republican, trump voter or not, this killer should be held to account and punished to the fullest extent allowed by law. We really should let all the facts come in before jumping to conclusions, then let justice be served as appropriate.
*. The name calling began with the deplorables coined by Hillary Clinton and followed by Pelosi and ripping a speech. It snowballed.
One commenter pointed out what was the motive for shooting the hospitalized couple? Haven’t heard a word?
Just another tragedy, another day…RIP.
I agree with the good professor. Wait and see what the manifesto says, or if they arrest him, what he says himself.
@Upstate and others
I share this sentiment as well, in spite of my opinion the rhetoric scale is largely imbalanced. None of us know, and it’s too easy to jump to conclusions. I think at the least most can agree this individual is very unwell, and their actions horrific.
*. Perhaps it’s what happens to people when they’ve been brainwashed with lies and pushed to believe there’s no limit to free speech in their own person. Witness the behavior, the conduct of Sen. Padilla and then demanding his right to free speech or McIvers pushing and shoving. It may be it breeds diseases.
I don’t believe we will see the manifesto. Why haven’t they released all the 70 names on this murderous crazy’s hit list? Shouldn’t we want to keep the targets safe? Was the Tennessee trans Christian private school murderer’s manifesto ever released?
This is where the resistance and outrage machine takes us eventually. When one side employs hate and fear to motivate their base, they often energize the other. This state of murderous rage damages fragile minds on both sides.
People need to read Frankenstein and learn from it. When you play God and create monsters that seem to serve your purposes, they eventually get out of control and lead to your downfall.
I think Trump has started to realize this. Listen to his softer tone over the past months.
I wish others in his party AND the Democrats, would realize that this may win elections put the country will become ungovernable.
Shannon
Who is the “THEY” who are not releasing the manifesto ???
You seem to think that “THEY” also refused to reveal the Tennessee shooter’s manifesto ???
Who exactly is the mysterious “THEY” ?????
In the Tennessee incident, in 2023, “THEY” are presumably the Biden DOJ.
In this incident, “THEY” are presumably the Trump DOJ.
Obviously, Bondi and Patel are in cahoots with the thoroughly discredited Biden DOJ.
This is yet another example of the bizarre, incoherent thinking, and conspiracy mongering typical of the MAGA mob.
None of you incomprehensible ramblings make any sense except to the brainwashed hordes of the MAGA cult.
The confusion and condemnation are because he shot a Democrat.
If he shot a Republican or an insurance executive we know who would be celebrating.