In her new video response to the Tucson Tragedy, Sarah Palin asserts that the negative attention she has received in the aftermath of Jeremy Loughner’s massacre is comparable to “blood libel,” the anti-semitic persecution faced by Jews. The term refers to an absurd Christian accusation that Jews used the blood of Christian children in rituals. Although of ancient origins, this bigotry has survived through the 20th century, and into the new millennium. By using the term, Palin is suggesting that the attacks she’s facing, from the media, are equal to the suffering of a Jewish community falsely accused of the kidnapping, murder and exsanguination of children. The term Blood Libel refers to a specific anti-Semitic accusation, and does not in anyway compare to the situation Palin finds herself in.
But despite this blunder, I feel we might want turn down the burner under Palin. Yes, she posted a picture with a gun site over Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford’s district, but she did not personally entice the shooter. Jeremy Loughner pulled the trigger and is responsible for the crime. Palin, like many others, is guilty of pushing the partisan nature of American politics to dangerous levels, but this doesn’t mean the guilt for the shooting should rest solely on her shoulders. Palin does have a combative political style, but she’s not the only one in Washington with an overtly aggressive stance. By throwing all our attention on her we allow the other culprits to move undetected. I’m not saying it’s unfair to point a finger at Palin (let her have it); I just think our other hand should bear down on different players.
Despite the arguments over her culpability in regards to the shooting, her reference to ‘Blood Libel’ was an unfortunate and unforgivable use of language. She most likely will try to explain the use of this term, and call it a regrettable mistake. But she should not be offered a clean slate, people have been offended and she should accept that. I’ll be surprised if her PR team ever lets her speak again.
Video: Sarah Palin Responds to Tucson Shooting
Was Jared Loughner’s Act Political? (TFT)
Sarah Palin’s Pathetic Statement on the Arizona Shootings (TFT)
Samuel Bryant
Samuel Bryant a native of Martha’s Vineyard (He worked on the mansions, but never lived in them) left home to attend Sarah Lawrence College where he studied fiction writing and literature. After graduation he moved to Brooklyn. He spends his time honing his writing, and ...
Read more about Samuel Bryant ->
