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Right Fans Flames of Extremist Fury: Rich

Right-wing rhetoric complicit in rise of extremism

By Amelia Atlas,  Newser User

Posted Jun 14, 2009 10:12 AM CDT

(Newser) – When a Fox News anchor cautions against the rising extremism of hate-driven Americans, as Shepard Smith did after the Holocaust Museum shooting, we should take note, argues Frank Rich in the New York Times. Unlike his fear-mongering colleagues, says Rich, Smith—not known for having an agenda—had "extraordinary words to hear on Fox" when he warned of the "frightening" email he has received since Barack Obama's election.

"What is this fury about?" Rich wonders. An irrational minority, "fearful of the fast-moving generational, cultural, and racial turnover Obama embodies," only grows angrier as the president's popularity rises. This rage is spilling over, and it's not just the TV and radio entertainers that are feeding this hysteria: The conservative establishment is dipping into fringe rhetoric. Such views are "toxic," and "no one, not even Fox News viewers, can say they weren’t warned," concludes Rich.

Fox News anchor Shepard Smith returns to his alma mater, May 10, 2008, to deliver the University of Mississippi'ss commencement address. Smith has been a voice of reason on Fox News, says Rich.
Fox News anchor Shepard Smith returns to his alma mater, May 10, 2008, to deliver the University of Mississippi'ss commencement address. Smith has been a voice of reason on Fox News, says Rich.   (AP Photo/University of Mississippi, Kevin Bain)
Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly appears on the Fox News show, The O'Reilly Factor, on Jan. 18, 2007 in New York.
Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly appears on the Fox News show, "The O'Reilly Factor," on Jan. 18, 2007 in New York.   (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)
James von Brunn, who opened fire at the US Holocaust Memorial and  Museum in Washington, DC will be charged with murder.
James von Brunn, who opened fire at the US Holocaust Memorial and Museum in Washington, DC will be charged with murder.   (AP Photo/Talbot County Sheriff Office)
RNC Chairman Michael Steele during a fundraising dinner., April 16, 2009. Steele called the Homeland Security report about right-wing domestic terrorism the height of insult.
RNC Chairman Michael Steele during a fundraising dinner., April 16, 2009. Steele called the Homeland Security report about right-wing domestic terrorism "the height of insult."   (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Protesters from Rev. Fred Phelps'  Westboro Baptist Church demonstrate during funeral services for Dr. George Tiller Saturday, June 6, 2009, at College Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kan.
Protesters from Rev. Fred Phelps' Westboro Baptist Church demonstrate during funeral services for Dr. George Tiller Saturday, June 6, 2009, at College Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kan.   (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
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2009-06-13: Shepard Smith (Fox News) talks about hate-filled emails swamping Fox.   (DemocraticBlogger)

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A sizable minority of Americans is irrationally fearful of the fast-moving generational, cultural and racial turnover Obama embodies—indeed, of the 21st century itself. - Frank Rich

Conservatives have legitimate ideological beefs with Obama, rightly expressed in sharp language. But the invective in some quarters has unmistakably amped up. - Frank Rich

But hyperbole from the usual suspects in the entertainment arena of TV and radio is not the whole story. What’s startling is the spillover of this poison into the conservative political establishment. - Frank Rich

The only voices that might penetrate their alternative reality—I emphasize might—belong to conservative leaders with the guts and clout to step up as McCain did last fall. Where are they? - Frank Rich

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 17 comments
AdaptAndOvercome
Jun 16, 2009 3:31 AM CDT
The GOP created this mess when they were fighting for a win and the top brass of that party (cheney, Bush, Limbaugh, Gingrich, etc) is pathetic and they showed for the last 8 years that they care very little about American's, they care solely for their party politics and they will continue to use fear mongering if it gets them what they want...they don't care at what cost because there won't be any loss to them personally.
justme
Jun 15, 2009 12:10 PM CDT
Did you actually listen to O'Reilly talk about Tiller or his killer? If you didn't all you have for info is what his detractors have said. I make it a point to listen to both. O'Reilly was factual on every point and clearly identified his opinions as opinions, something unfortinately rare in news these days. He never advocated anything more violent than writing to your elected officials, somthing also more rare than it should be.
sache
Jun 15, 2009 2:49 AM CDT
Amen Frank Rich. The scary part is that people who hate will never listen to reason. The fanners of flames of hatred don't see where they are doing any wrong. Try telling Rush, Hannity etc, they are a part of this problem and see how far you get. Denial and more of the same.

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