Media Matters CEO David Brock responds to Sarah Palin’s ill timed release of a video blaming media for criticizing her continued use of violent rhetoric. Brock invites her to engage in peaceful debate, something she claims she supports.
In your video, you predictably blame the media for libeling you. My view is you and your right-wing conspirators have gotten off easy. Most in the press dismiss the import of your words as careless constructions or run-of-the mill political phrases, presuming you do not understand or mean what you say and do.
But I know what you do. We are just off a campaign cycle in which you and the Republican candidates you supported raised the prospect of armed revolt if Washington did not change its ways. Much of your message centered — like the Tea Party moniker itself — on imagery of armed revolution and existential clashes in which the freedom of our country is at stake. This is a lie.
You and Beck and Limbaugh pander to the margin of the margins, employing whatever words win you contributions or ratings, the consequences be damned.
Promoting anti-government extremism is your business. Without it you are nothing. And you know it.
Instead of posting videos in the dark of night, I challenge you to have the peaceful debate you say you want — with me — at the time and place and in the venue of your choosing.
Governor Palin, at this time of national mourning, you owe the American people a more honest explanation of your words and actions than the one you issued today.
Maybe then you could stop dwelling over your own PR troubles and join me in trying to prevent such a tragedy like this from ever happening again.
Unfortunately, Palin is a bully and coward, not a patriot or statesman and she will not agree to debate David Brock
