Garry Hamilton:
I do believe we have here the media’s version of classic terrorism.
Terrorism is systematic violence against non-participants in a conflict to obtain changes in policy or behavior from one’s opponents or enemies. It is used when a direct attack on the enemy is unfeasible.
Bomb in a cafe. Random drive-by shootings. Mass poisonings. Sabotage of public transport. Kidnapping and public execution of non-participant third parties.
And now, this new dimension: public humiliation of a non-participant for the “crime” of liking your enemy.
Objective: make it so uncomfortable to be a Palin supporter that Palin will abandon the public stage and any political aspirations to protect those who would emotionally traumatized as a consequence of supporting her.
It’s not physical violence, but it is intimidation. “If you support Palin, we’re going to make you look stupid in public and embarrass you to all your friends.”
Nice.
We are reduced to thuggery, even in the press.
UPDATE: NewsBusters – Norah Comes Armed With Notes To Debate Palin Fans
Red, White & Conservative – The Day I Met Sarah Palin…and the Liberal Media
