Liberals jumped to conclusions

I am amazed at how quickly the tragic shooting in Tucson, Ariz., was politicized by liberal politicians and the liberal news media. Within hours of the shooting, and in true, modern-day liberal fashion (“never let a crisis go to waste,” per Rahm Emanuel), we heard that “inflammatory speech” by conservatives like Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin is to blame for the sour political discourse in the country today, which “clearly influenced” the Tucson gunman and helped push him over the edge. For progressives, no evidence to support these claims is needed, only the opportunity to make them.

Completely ignored in this knee-jerk reaction by the progressive movement is the hateful, angry and taunting commentary that is heard every night on MSNBC (e.g., Keith Olbermann and Lawrence O'Donnell), every day on liberal talk radio (e.g., Ed Shultz and Thom Harman), and every day on CNN or read every day in the New York Times and the Daily Kos. Not a word was mentioned about aggressive, inflammatory speech made by Democratic politicians (e.g., President Obama's reference to Republicans as his “enemies,” among other countless comments).

In the hours following the Nov. 5, 2009, terrorist attack at Fort Hood, Texas, progressives were quick to warn Americans not to “rush to judgment” (Sen. Dick Durbin's words) until all the facts were known. It's a pity, and shameful, that progressives were unable to follow their own advice this past weekend, and instead took aim at the conservative movement, and thereby a majority of Americans.

As more information emerges on the gunman, he is being described as a liberal, a fan of Marx, and a very scary person. I describe him not in political terms, but as a madman.

Charles Phillips

Glen Ellyn, IL