Fire Play Burnt, etc.

Just saw this via TPM.

It seems evident that when you mobilize demographics using a rhetoric of war, use the language of "terrorism" to undermine your political opponents, those that become "energized" to take action do so through violence. This guy's situation seems a bit more unique, in that he was upset over a personal issue, but come on--we need to realize that the way that we talk about things encourages others to react using the same language.

It's no stretch of the imagination. Language has powerful, far-reaching impacts, and frames the way in which people view and interpret their surroundings. It's devastating to see that the mainstream media toys with those impacts rather than mitigating the words that encourage others to act violent.

Tragic. Once again.

Tragic.

I just wanted to take the opportunity to say that the shooting of Gabrielle Giffords is incredibly tragic.

Regardless of political affiliation or voting record, it surprises me that conservatives in our country are being adamant about being guiltless, rather than offering support as fellow human beings. It always seems suspicious when someone's first reaction is: "It wasn't my fault."

I really hope churches don't picket the funerals of innocent bystanders who were shot and killed by a lunatic.

There's been so much violence to kickstart 2011. Here's a nod to hoping that some peace is instilled throughout the year.

GOP trying to violate the Constitution? What else is new...

I loved the story that Pete Sessions tried to jump-start his new-found position in Congress without being officially sworn in.

It's a silly thing, I suppose, being that the votes had already counted...but FFS, try to at least abide by the procedure and ritual in place that make this government appear to be somewhat functional. Amirite?

Read the story here.