**Note: I am posting this before having read any other comments. I wanted my brain to have a “clean slate”, and not have my opinion be clouded by other opinions.**
”.. does hate speech and violent partisan rhetoric have an effect on people? If so, how much? Is there a line somewhere that can be crossed regarding its legality? How about its morality”
First of all, I obviously am not an expert, or even educated, in the Mental Health field. That said, I can see how it very well could.
If the person is unstable to begin with, and has a preconceived notion that whatever political wing, ethnicity, religious belief/disbelief is wrong, or evil, I believe there can be an effect.
It seems logical, that having that seed in their brain, and having it watered and fertilized as often as on a daily basis by somebody blustering on Talk Radio, or TV, that their hate could be re-enforced and fester to the extent of pushing them over the edge. So, what the “blusterer” may have said figuratively, ie: “shoot them down”, this person is going to take literally
As far as crossing the line legally? That’s probably a bit subjective. Political beliefs aside, people are going to have different ideas of where that line is. I may give a more thorough opinion on that later, after some more thought, but that’s my initial reaction.
As far as a moral standpoint? Again, I suppose that’s subjective, but I think it’s incumbent upon those of us that find it offensive to speak out. (And that’s something I need to work on, that’s why I’m starting speak out a little bit more on these Forums).
I’d be willing to bet that most, if not all of the ‘blusterers” are smart enough to know that their rhetoric could push an unstable person over the edge, but they don’t care. They’re just trying to get as many of the “Average Joes” riled up against whatever the “blusterer” is against, as they can, and it’s probably mostly done for ratings, hence a fatter (already bulging) wallet, to boost their ego, and to be a distraction from the real issues that have the biggest effect on our lives.
”If someone commits this type of act, do they have any personal responsibility for any consequences that may come of it? If so, how would they be held responsible? If not, why not?”
Legally, no. First Amendment.
Morally? Hell yes.
As far as being held responsible, of course people can’t be held legally responsible for their morality, or lack thereof. But, I think they can be “punished” by those that find their actions reprehensible, speaking out.
Then again, it often seems like a no-win situation. For example, Radio Guy Richard Cranium (RC) Blusterer is going to make an appearance at Tea Arena. Those that find his message offensive could organize, or simply show up on their own, to protest outside of the Arena.
Some may argue that such an action is going to get the guy more of the attention he craves. I believe that to be true to a certain extent. But, if the protesters just remained silent, their message doesn’t get out. It’s a tough call.
Another option is to boycott advertisers of the Radio Show, and let the advertisers, the Local Station, and any Network associated with the Show and/or Station know you are boycotting them, and why. I think that can be a highly effective solution, if the advertisers listen to the boycotters and start dropping their sponsorship, then great! However, if the advertiser believes strongly in RC Blusterers message, they’ll probably just tell the boycotters to screw off.
Besides just speaking out against RC in general, I would love to see public humiliation, if, with his huge ego that’s even possible. That may seem to be sinking down a bit to his level, but how do you get them to off of their high horse?
If RC’s ranting, having pushed someone over the edge could be made illegal, such as yelling “FIRE!” in a crowded theater, then I would like to see him punished as an accessory, much as the get-away driver in a bank robbery.
”If I had a radio or TV show and frequently identified people that I thought should be killed, but I never used that particular word but instead made up code words that I knew some people would understand, would I have any culpability if one or more of those people I categorized were indeed killed? Any legal or moral responsibility?”
Culpability? I would say yes. I think that a Prosecutor would have a hell of an uphill battle, though.
First off, the “code words” would have to be proven, which may be fairly simple, if it’s code that’s commonly known to a specific group. If it’s a more obscure code, it might be much more difficult to prove.
Now, if it could be proven code was being used, then yes, in my mind that shows intent on RC’s part, and although he may claim that he never outright intended for anyone to commit the act, I believe that he could be found guilty as at least an accomplice, or more directly involved, such as a person that hires a hitman.
As far as legal or moral responsibility? I’d probably answer that the same as I did above in the previous scenario.
Mike
