No evidence that Sarah Palin or Glenn Beck influenced gunman Jared Loughner
(WIREUPDATE) — Despite the rhetoric found on Twitter and liberal websites there is absolutely no shred of evidence that Sarah Palin or Glenn Beck ever once influenced the gunman behind the mass shooting in Tuscon, Arizona. By all accounts Jared Loughner was an insane individual whose online ramblings do not reflect either the former Governor or the television host.In the hours after the tragic shootings we have learned very little about the gunman. According to former friends he was considered ‘a loner’ who used recreational drugs and listened to music such as Jimi Hendrix and The Doors. He was able to legally obtain the gun that he would go on to use in the shooting of 19 individuals.
Liberal commentators such as Keith Olberman and DailyKos founder Markos Moulitsas were quick to give blame to Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck for Loughner’s actions despite hearing any evidence that would suggest Loughner was influenced by them.
Jared Loughner’s obsession with Arizona Congresswoman Gabriel Giffords wasn’t a recent occurrence. Long before Sarah Palin posted a Facebook image declaring Giffords as one of her political targets during the 2010 mid-term elections, Loughner told a high school friend that he spoke with the Congresswoman. He asked Giffords a question and determined she was “stupid and unintelligent.”
This meeting occurred a year before Sarah Palin was a household name, in 2007, and three years before the infamous ‘targets’ image was posted on Facebook.
Loughner left numerous disturbing messages on his Myspace page. On December 13, 2010 he wrote, “I don’t feel good: I’m ready to kill a police officer! I can say it.”
The very next day he followed up his threat with an equally disturbing omen of today’s news, “WOW! I’m glad i didn’t kill myself. I’ll see you on National T.v.! This is foreshadow …. why doesn’t anyone talk to me?..”
During those two days talk show host Glenn Beck was gearing up for his multiple broadcasts in Wilmington, Ohio to celebrate “America’s First Christmas.”
Topics over those two days included Glenn’s thoughts on the Narnia movie, the collapse of the Metrodome due to snowfall, The Bush Tax-cuts, CNN attempt to discredit Glenn over his comments on Islamic terrorism, Jim Wallis bashing rich Americans, meeting Mark Wahlberg at a restaurant, and George Soros’ influence on the progressive movement.
At no point during these broadcasts did Glenn suggest for his listeners to arm themselves and shoot police officers. Actually, Glenn has a long history of telling his listeners to give thanks to the men and women in uniform and not hate.
Loughner’s own disdain of the police might have stemmed from an incident when he was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, also in 2007. While the charges were ultimately withdrawn, it seemed to have severe effect on his college studies as he would soon drop out of school.
The exact motives of Loughner’s heinous actions are unclear at this time – what is clear Sarah Palin or Glenn Beck probably had nothing to do with it. Loughner formed his own opinions and acted on them. He is responsible for his own actions and deserves the highest punishment afforded by law.
