Sean Hannity and InfoWars conspiracist Alex Jones both are guilty of hate speech towards the political left. For their show’s ratings, they will exploit anything no matter how harmful it may be. But to be fair, the left also will exploit the right when the timing is right and for the same reason. The result may have unintended consequences such as the congressional shooting on Wednesday.
I have written before, the proliferation of hate is a significant national problem. It is the “biggest issue” the United States needs to address. The vicious and rancorous rhetoric of both left and right media groups are to blame. The rhetoric of Republicans and Democrats equally are to blame. The rhetoric of President Trump, particularly during his campaign, is to blame. Hate speech is dividing our country. And with our country’s inability to effectively address America's significant gun problem, it is a very dangerous problem.
The inflammatory statement that “Leftists Blame Guns While Celebrating GOP Shooting” and that the “rabid left pushes gun control while advocating violence against Trump,” are good examples of the hate speech being used.
But regardless of consequences, “Alex Jones knows exactly whom he wants to blame for the Wednesday shooting on a Virginia baseball field: “the left” and its calls to violence. In a five-minute video produced by his conspiracy-laden website, InfoWars, Mr. Jones runs through a list of offenders on ‘terroristic social media,’ distorting and cherry-picking comments, to make a wildly misleading case.
“His video is among the most flagrant examples of an emerging trend of partisans repurposing old statements from lawmakers — or simply fabricating quotes — to place blame for the shooting. Here’s an assessment.”
Fact Check: Distortions and Fake News after Virginia Shooting
By Linda Qiu And Justin Bank
Friday, June 16, 2017
N.Y. Times -- Fact Check: Distortions and Fake News after Virginia Shooting
