Danziger: Tea Party “Ultimately to Blame” for Tucson Shootings (must read!)

Frank Strategies: The Blog ^ | Ed Frank

[roses of sharon]

This afternoon, I saw perhaps the most troubling, irresponsible, disconnected-from-reality editorial cartoon I’ve ever seen published in a major American newspaper.

It’s one thing to hastily jump to conclusions before the facts are known, but it’s another to stick to those hasty conclusions in the face of contradictory facts. Unfortunately, that’s what cartoonist Jeff Danziger is doing. In all my years in politics, I have never contacted an editorial cartoonist, but I was so appalled by this cartoon, that today I did. To my surprise, Danziger replied. Below is our full exchange: —— Mr Danziger –

I’ve worked professionally in political communications for more than 16 years now – for Members of Congress, a Cabinet Secretary, many political candidates, and a variety of non-profit organizations. As a result, I’ve obviously seen many editorial cartoons with which I’ve disagreed. But I have never seen one as shamefully disgusting as the one I just saw on WashingtonPost.com that is credited to you.

In the cartoon, a violent gunman is shown inside a teapot. I take this to mean that you’re perpetuating the view the millions of law-abiding citizens who have marched in tea party rallies are somehow complicit in the horrible shooting that occurred in Tucson on Saturday.

As you should know, at this point, there appears to be absolutely no connection between the tea party and the troubled young man who pulled the trigger. Not an ideological connection. Not one shred of evidence that he ever attended a tea party rally or visited tea party websites. Not even any evidence that he was enflamed or motivated by over-the-top political rhetoric from either side of the aisle. To the contrary, all the evidence that is currently available points to the complete opposite of all of these claims.

For you to willfully and purposely advance an incredibly explosive accusation for which there is not one shred of evidence does a disservice to you and to the American public. I generally agree with critics who say that over-the-top rhetoric — on both the left and right — should be dialed back, but when you and others imply or outright claim that millions of patriotic citizens are accessories to a gruesome mass murder, you’re only making matters much, much worse.

Sincerely, -Ed Frank —– Dear Mr. Frank-

Thanks for your letter.

I disagree. In a larger sense there is a link between anti-government rhetoric and the actions of this obviously deranged man. He is not “troubled”, he is crazed. But he knows that the larger enemy is the “government”, even though I suspect he has no idea, other than the police, what the government is. So in my experience, there is plenty of linkage, the linkage of a constant steady pressure, constant yammering on right wing radio, and constant political advertising to strike at the government, linking to a weak and distracted mind, inured to the real cost of violence by video games and super-violent films. And to this the easy availability of Glocks in a state like Arizona, and the result is more than predictable. Only willful political opportunism could blind anmyone to it. This same connection drove Timothy McVeigh and others. This won’t, I regret to say, be the last incident, not as long as the self-hatred in this country goes unanswered.

The drawing, which was designed to go with an article rather than stand by itself, is not shameful nor disgusting. It is designed like all oped art to be provocative and interpretative. It shows a point of view which relates the hyperbole of the tea party people to the actions of a disturbed mentality. The disgusting part is the lack of inclination to blame the people untimately responsible. They are again being given a pass for the viciousness they have engendered, at least in part.

I would guess that your experience is on one political side rather than the other. I am on neither. I want all this goddam noise and manufactured strife to stop. I want people to work toward a better country. I think I have earned the right to insist on it. I am not a Democrat nor a Republican, neither left nor right. I was drafted and served in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star and an Air Medal and received a field commission. That probably means less to me than to others, but I don’t have to apologize to anyone for my views. This may not equate to working in political communications as you have done, but it counts for something.

Nevertheless, I appreciate your writing and will bear your remarks in mind in future.

All best wishes,

Jeff Danziger —- Mr. Danziger –

I appreciate your service to our nation, and you’re definitely entitled to your opinion, but I ask you to provide one piece of actual evidence for this statement:

“In a larger sense there is a link between anti-government rhetoric and the actions of this obviously deranged man.”

To my knowledge, none exists. The fact that tea-party activists generally support smaller government does not create a “link” between them and “crazed” individuals who may be generally anti-government or anti-establishment. Everything I’ve seen thus far suggests that there’s not much separating this gunman from the emotionally disturbed killers at Virginia Tech and Columbine, other than the establishment symbols that they ultimately targeted – schools vs. Congress.

Furthermore, I have to take issue with your comparison to Oklahoma City. In that case, there was actual evidence that Tim McVeigh’s horrible and unforgivable action was in direct response to the Waco raid and other DOJ actions of the time. To date, none of the evidence coming out of Tucson indicates that the shooter acted in response to any specific governmental action or political statement whatsoever – including anything coming out of the tea party.

Finally, I must take issue with your statement that there is a “lack of inclination to blame the people ultimately responsible.” At this point, the only person responsible for this action is the guy who pulled the trigger.

If it’s ok with you, I’d like to publish our exchange on my blog. In any case, thanks for your reply. I strongly disagree with your conclusions, but I do appreciate your time.

-Ed

UPDATE: 10:00 pm EST:

Ed. We are not in court. I have been watching the development of this combination of loons and opportunists since it started. The Tea Party, the very name is ridiculous. Crazed fat people tortured by their lack of success in life, following the absolute worst of our politicians. Palin, Angel, Quayle’s rotten kid. These people are your choice for anything? The whole thing is based on unreality. Don’t you understand? And Mcveigh was reading that crazy shit from the enbd times or whagtever it is called.

In the end the government has GOT to work. We are in competition with the world. Car companies don’t compete. nation now compete. And these asses want to go back to the 1700′s. I’ve written enough. The whole thing is probably unstoppable except with another dumb war. That’s what usually happens. You can have it.

[excopconservative]

This is what the people that rule us...think of us, while they steal our livelihoods and our private healthcare!

---

They don’t think that the average person should have any voice in their government, We are the governed, they are the rulers. We have already traveled a ways on the Road to Serfdom. It’s really worse than that. Not only should we be voiceless but we are also hated just as much as they hate Gov. Palin. Their hatred will defeat them.

[AllAmericanGirl44]

Thank you for sharing this. I enjoyed how he made a point of stating he received the Bronze Medal and adds that it means nothing to him - right there it is apparent which ‘side’ he leans towards. Yes, he and all the other brainwashed mopes view us in this manner. As my 87 year old father has taught me; “the squeaky wheel gets the oil”, and boy are they squealing now!

[roses of sharon]

That’s what I’m trying to say....THESE are the people running this country!

The MSM.

These are the people our leaders and reps in DC look to in their decision making process....these are the people who have the power to destroy ANY politician, or policy, that they disagree.

They set the tone, the mood, they have the power over who is elected, who passes legislation, they are the keepers of information, they write the script for this nation.

[Carley]

Interesting how this loon becomes more and more divorced from reality as he seeks justification for his completely unfounded conclusions.

He himself seemed on the verge of going ‘postal’. Wonder how his colleagues view his irrationality. Maybe they too sit close to the door so they can make an escape when he loses his mind begins shooting at those who disagree with his vision of America.

[roses of sharon]

Fascinating how he becomes more unhinged trying to justify his boiling, roiling hate for average Americans.

I hope we can get Rush to read this tomorrow.

[Yardstick]

I just saw this cartoon at the WaPo a few minutes ago and couldn’t believe my eyes. I agree with the writer that this has to be one of the most contemptible editorial cartoons ever. I am shocked (but of course not shocked) that the WaPo would run it.

The cartoonist managed a fairly levelheaded first reply but skidded off into the ditch in his second. I wonder if he might have been drinking. It kind of reminds me of the Mel Gibson thing where the true self emerges.

[Humidston]

My, my, how the left squeals hysterically and runs in circles whenever presented with deductive reasoning. Like prissy little girls.

[DustyMoment]

So in my experience, there is plenty of linkage, the linkage of a constant steady pressure, constant yammering on right wing radio, and constant political advertising to strike at the government, linking to a weak and distracted mind, inured to the real cost of violence by video games and super-violent films. And to this the easy availability of Glocks in a state like Arizona, and the result is more than predictable. Only willful political opportunism could blind anmyone to it. This same connection drove Timothy McVeigh and others. This won’t, I regret to say, be the last incident, not as long as the self-hatred in this country goes unanswered.

Actually, Ted Danziger has confirmed what most of us already believe - it is LIBERALS (Democrats, for those in Rio Linda) who have created the harsh political environment and enmity between the two major parties by constantly politicizing EVERY significant event in American life and trying to blame everything bad on conservatives. Their manipulation and usage of projection is nothing short of despicable and nauseating. If we are to return to an era of polite and civil political discourse in this country, a MAJOR effort will have to be initiated by the left. I suggest starting with the Congress, then focusing on the nutjobs at Daily Kos and DU!!

[M1911A1]

He’s got a website with contact information.

Seeing how well he deals with reasoned, calm requests for justifying his slander, it might be fun to send a whole pile of polite and logical e-mails for him to chew on.

[dsrtsage]

Function CauseOfWordsProblems(Problem as String) as String
Dim Cause(3) as String
Dim CauseNum as long

‘Note: Parameter ‘Problem’ is Irrelevant

Cause(0)=”Bush”
Cause(1)=”The Joos”
Cause(2)=”Tea Party”
Cause(3)=”Republicans”

CauseNum = Rnd * 3

CauseOfWorldsProblems = Cause(CauseNum)

End Function

[skr]

Sounds like vitriol to me.

[parisa]

I could pity the level of utter ignorance of this vacuous leftist, but I pity more his level of earnest certainty in his vacuous postulations. . . He doesn't know what he doesn't know, but we sure do!

Crazed fat people tortured by their lack of success in life????

Really . . . words fail me!

[Bullish]

It must be nice to always feel so self righteous, huh Danziger? Just like that creepy little German guy with the glasses on PMSNBC.

[thecabal]

I love how the majority of cowardly leftists in the country refuse to proudly declare their ideology; instead they hide behind the moniker of “moderate”, like this bag of douche. That’s why ~20% identify as liberal and ~40% as “moderate”. Most of that ~40% are obfuscating liberals.

[Humidston]

Sorry, but as far as I’m concerned he’s not worth a bucket of warm spit.

Just because he can draw pictures he thinks he’s a genius. HA!

[skr]

Does Mr. Danziger understand the difference between less government and anarchy? Conservatives aren’t stupid chaos worshipers; we know that a certain level of government is necessary for a free, responsible society. Loughner is probably most closely related to an anarchist than to anything else, politically speaking. Anarchists don’t seem to have a firm grip on reality, and he would seem to fit right in with the ones that still wander amongst us.

[parisa]

"In the end the government has GOT to work. We are in competition with the world. Car companies don’t compete. nation now compete. And these asses want to go back to the 1700′s." Earlier he said he was not on ANY political side. I guess by the time he wrote this his meds were wearing off. (And does anyone see a familiar, disjointed and rambling style similar to the nutball shooter's writing?)

Excellent points, and at 2:30 in the morning you made me laugh! That's good!

[Bullish]

“The whole thing is probably unstoppable except which another dumb war.”

Careful what you wish for there Jeff.

It wouldn't be a "dumb" war but a necessary one. And I know what side would win. Danziger would be on the wrong side.

[dila813]

Mental.....that is all....they are mental

[surfer]

I don’t think he is wishing for anything. History is pretty clear on where this ends up.

Just look at the facts. Just how much longer do you think the US will allow this media circus to continue?

Just how much longer do you think our external enemies will wait?

This ends in either global conflict or civil war - the Progressives are ALL IN and they are counting on everyone else just accepting their plan. Their arrogance is their downfall and unfortunately our biggest problem.

Better to prepare for the worst and pray for the best.