Liberals exploiting Tucson tragedy

Many liberals are shamelessly exploiting the tragic shooting in Tucson in an attempt to infringe on our First Amendment right to free speech.

The New York Times’ Paul Krugman blamed the murder on conservatives creating a "climate of hate." It’s fair to have a debate about the influence of hate and violence on our culture (e.g., movies, TV, video games, music), but Krugman’s statement is unfounded.

Columnist E.J. Dionne writes that "violent talk and play acting cannot be part of our political routine." He condemns Sarah Palin for putting crosshairs over congressional districts targeted for defeat, but does not mention that it was President Obama who said of his opponents, "If they bring a knife to the fight, we bring a gun."

War and military metaphors have long been used by both parties, and there is nothing inherently wrong with that.

What is wrong is that many liberals are trying to make conservatives an accessory to these murders, even though it is becoming increasingly clearer that this horrendous crime was the act of a deranged individual. This seems to be one more example of a coordinated attack on anyone in this country who opposes this administration’s liberal agenda.

Full disclosure: I’m a conservative, and I won’t be cowed into backing down from vigorous political discourse. I choose to continue to fight to restore respect for the Constitution, fiscal discipline and free enterprise. It’s my right.

LINDA KING

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