This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
Hypocrites on violence
Republican hypocrisy is front and center with recent attacks on comedian Kathy Griffin after her distasteful skit showing a representation of a decapitated Donald Trump. Presidential candidate Trump repeatedly encouraged violence against liberals, and his followers gleefully obeyed, so much so that he’s now facing court cases for inciting violence. In 2016, several Trump rally attendees publicly threatened Hillary Clinton, but that was okay with his supporters. Aging rocker Ted Nugent physically threatened both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and was rewarded a year later with an invitation to the Trump White House.
Fox News commentator Jeanine Pirro frequently calls for violence. Her latest target is the White House whistle-blower who “must be taken out.” Republican Greg Gianforte choked and beat a reporter on the eve of the Montana House of Representative election and his voters cheered and defended his actions.
It is clear that radical Republicans condone and encourage violence when the targets are ethnic minorities and liberals, but have no sense of humor when the brunt of the joke is a Republican president.
Paul Oman
Clarkston