ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Sarah Palin posted a nearly eight-minute video on her Facebook page early Wednesday, accusing journalists and pundits of inciting hatred and violence in the wake of a deadly Arizona shooting that gravely wounded U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
Last spring, Palin targeted Giffords' district as one of 20 that should be taken back. Palin has been criticized for marking each district with the cross hairs of a gun sight.
In the video, the 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate said vigorous debates are a cherished tradition. But she said after the election, both sides find common ground, even though they disagree.
"But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn. That is reprehensible," she said.
The term "blood libel" is the false allegation that Jews kill non-Jews, especially Christian children, to acquire blood for the Passover or other Jewish rituals, according to the Jewish Virtual Library. It has been used in other contexts, and Palin's meaning was not clear. Her aides did not immediately respond to an e-mail early Wednesday.
Jared Loughner, 22, is accused of trying to assassinate Giffords, wounding 12 others and killing six people.
"There are those who claim political rhetoric is to blame for the despicable act of this deranged, apparently apolitical criminal," Palin said. "And they claim political debate has somehow gotten more heated just recently. But when was it less heated? Back in those 'calm days' when political figures literally settled their differences with dueling pistols?"
soricobob posted at 11:35 am on Wed, Jan 12, 2011.
It doesn't surprise me in the least that Mrs. Palin employs a speech writer who has no idea whatsoever what Blood Libel means. It also doesn't surprise me that she liked the term so much she used it. It's like mama grizzly, man up, now blood libel; a mensch she ain't.
Poorman posted at 11:44 am on Wed, Jan 12, 2011.
This probably about the only thing Palin has gotten right,most of the journalists don't really care about what they report other than to be first with most of the stories. Being first wether all the facts are right are not that important to them. Being first equals more readers,therefore more advertisting in whatever media,and most important,more money for them and there employers. All ones has to do is watch Fox news,Msnbc,Cnn and see the obvious differences in their facts.Most of the talking heads are all of a sudden experts in all sorts of fields. The sad part is alot of the average citizens believe them.