Palin Aide Falsely Claims Cross-Hairs on Map Were Not Bullseyes.

Apparently being duplicitous is standard operating procedure for Republicans.  Sarah Palin's aids are now saying that the cross-hairs on the infamous bullseye map on her website were never intended to be gun sights.  If you believe that, they have a failed Governor to sell you.

The statement runs absolutely counter to Palin herself.  Gun toting Mama Grizzlie made a statement on her twitter account saying, "Don't retreat, RELOAD!"  and on her Facebook page she boasted of defeating 18 of the 20 members on her "bullseye" list.  I think the intent was pretty clear, and if you don't get it you might just be in need of remedial reading classes.

Furthermore, if the Bullseye Map was so innocent, why was it removed immediately after the shooting in Arizona? Frankly, I am surprised Sarah didn't post a "Mission Accomplished" banner on her homepage.

Am I being unfair?  Not the least.  The kind of fiery rhetoric being used by Palin and her ilk is a quick way to drum up a frenzy in a rally, but she is playing with fire.  I have stated this before and will again, SHE IS PLAYING WITH FIRE.

Now innocent people are being burned because of right-wing rhetoric and rabble-rousing. I am reminded of a truism I learned years ago, many people are unable to understand irony and in many cases metaphors.  These are the same people who insist on a "literal" reading if the Bible, so why should we expect any more nuanced understanding of political speeches.  When they hear "target" they think "shoot".

Though a vast majority of conservatives in this country would never pick up a gun to do something this crazy, there are unstable folks who will.  Those people may not have a particularly well developed ideology, but are easily moved by strong emotionally charged language and need very little catalyst to go into action.  When politicians begin tossing around gun metaphors you can be sure someone will take them literally and act out.