Far more times than I would have liked, I have condemned the violent hate crimes committed by right wing extremists, egged on my Republican politicians and pundits. Now, I’m sad to say, we have a hate crime committed by a left wing extremist. Tempting though it may be to claim the perpetrator was probably a Log Cabin Republican, I refuse to justify or evade responsibility the way Republicans do.
A Virginia man charged with shooting a security guard at the headquarters of a prominent conservative organization told the guard “words to the effect of ‘I don’t like your politics,’ ” according to an affidavit filed in the case on Thursday.
The defendant, Floyd L. Corkins II, 28, appeared briefly in United States District Court here, the day after he was wrestled to the ground in the lobby of the Family Research Council here after shooting a guard who tried to stop him from proceeding farther into the building, the authorities said. Mr. Corkins faces charges of transporting a gun across state lines and assault with intent to kill. He was ordered held without bond, and a detention hearing was scheduled for Aug. 24.
The Family Research Council advocates socially conservative and Christian causes. An affidavit filed by prosecutors indicated that Mr. Corkins, who had volunteered at a Washington community center for gay men and lesbians, “has strong opinions with respect to those he believes do not treat homosexuals in a fair manner.”…
Inserted from <NY Times>
Photo credit: News New Mexico
First, I ask you to join me in thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery for the victim and comfort for his family.
As a lefty, I acknowledge that he is clearly one of ours. I respect his motivation, because the FRC is a group that foments hate toward the LGBT community. However, I condemn his use of violence.
From time to time I do hear calls for violence from the left. They are rare, because, unlike the Republican Party, leading Democratic politicians and pundits are not suggesting violence against opponents or using violent imagery to stir up hate. However, whenever we hear such calls, it is our responsibility to condemn them, even if they come from a friend. We need to keep claiming the moral high ground here, in both word and deed.
I’m not suggesting that people should not defend themselves, when physically attacked. The instigation of violence must be condemned, regardless of its source.
18 Responses to “Condemn Violence Regardless of Source”
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Agree with you wholeheartedly.
But one does have to wonder what puts the shooter's sanity into question more: Carrying a loaded gun … or carrying a month's supply of Chick-fil-A sandwiches in a bag.
Maybe I shouldn't have been so cavalier.
And while violence is never a solution, Family Research Council most assuredly can NOT be excused for their long and strident history of defaming and debasing an entire segment of our fellow citizens.
Most assuredly, FRC’s strategy of willfully and systematically lying in order to demean, defame and discriminate an entire class of American citizens is more than enough for it to deservedly be labeled a Hate Group by the award-winning Southern Poverty Law Center.
I wondered about why he would be carrying boycotted sandwiches too. As I said, I empathise with his motive, because of FRC foments hate in the extreme, but not his method.
There is no excuse for violrnce.
Thanks Patty.
Agreed. There is NO excuse for such senseless violence. I'm relieved that Corkins was restrained quickly, thereby preventing additional violence that morning.
I wonder if Corkins realizes that he has done the Left a disservice, rather than a service.
Ahab, I doubt it. Ideologues, whether right of left see only black or white, and usually cannot see the forest for the trees.
The difference is that our ideologues are a lunatic fringe, while theirs run the Republican Party.
"An eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind." — Mahatma Gandhi
Or as my mother would say to us as children, "Two wrongs don't make a right."
I certainly can appreciate his sense of frustration with so many fanatical evangelical right wing nuts running around spewing their vision of the evils of homosexuality. But I also wonder at his complete sanity in choosing to respond with violence.
Violence is never the answer!
I agree Lynn. He probably is about seven cans short of a six pack. I wanted to concentrate on his actions.
Totally agree, Tom (and everyone else). Of course Perkins is blaming the shooting on the hate from the SPLC for naming the FRC a hate group!!!
Thanks Leslie. Of course they are. Projection!
Violence is not the answer. Violence begets more violence. Copycats and deranged.
I fully agree!
People with problems in thinking, as this man obviously does have , do not wear labels— Violence does not just happen– but occurs in a atmosphere that seems to encourage violence as appropriate reaction to stress or perceived stress- He seems to be delusional—Sometimes we over do looking for hidden reasons. He is a sick man , and he acted out of disordered thinking—
A agree. At least we have done nothing to encourage him.
Violence is and has never been a solution.
I meant Violence is not and has never been a solution. Sorry,
Amen!