Fanatical rhetoric gone awry in Arizona?

Rhetoric does have material consequences. And we have written for over a year now about the material consequences of fanatical rhetoric. This latest tragic shooting by a mind disturbed by the fanaticism of Marx and Hitler (among others) seems predictable. And yet, there are situations, like this one, where mental illness is also a consideration. Nevertheless, I think it can still accurately be said that fanatical rhetoric contributes to violence. Thus, a national discussion about the material and sometimes violent outcomes of fanatical rhetorical climates rises up as the search for answers continues. Whether or not fanatical rhetoric was a factor in THIS case, it is still true that we have been experiencing a frightening climate of anti-government and anti-Obama rhetoric in the last two years. Perhaps these are not mutually exclusive answers.

While fingers point to Limbaugh and Palin as provacateurs of fanatical violent behavior, the issue of anti-government violence is not new. Fomenting too much rebellion against the government and the leaders of our democracy has always been warned against because it is destined to erupt in uncivil even violent episodes of expressive political behavior. Then we do begin to see what seem to be senseless crimes take the material shape of the noisy, radical and widespread anti-government rhetoric in the United States since Barack Obama became President.

This kind of rhetoric has been described by NPR as "vitriol" - a flammable and disfiguring substance.

And vitriol has long been the ambrosia of fanatical, destructive rhetoric and politics.

We know what books the shooter read, but what I want to know is: did he watch Fox News Channel or follow talk radio religiously?

Do you?

This is not a free speech issue. It is an issue of civic responsibility where our rights must not damage the fabric of the nation and incite hatred and violent actions. Each of us has that responsibility - it is called citizenship.

May this be a call to a more enlightened and responsible U.S. citizenry.