Paul Waldman says we’re beginning to take a long overdue look at the state of our political debate. But that examination needs to be honest.
In the wake of Saturday’s tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona, we’re beginning to take a long overdue look at the state of our political debate. But that examination needs to be honest.
There are times when both the right and the left are equally guilty of some sin or other, and the press’ instinct to characterize every problem as the equal responsibility of both sides does no harm. This is not one of those times. The simple, unavoidable fact is that it is the right that has been purveying the rhetoric of violence in the last few years. Many conservatives have declined to participate in this festival of hate and rage, and we should be careful to give credit, as well as blame, where it’s due. Everyone, though, has an obligation to look at what they’ve said and what they’ve tolerated.
