At least you're consistent, and on this so am I. I do feel Hoffa stepped beyond the line of civility, but not beyond the line of acceptable, or at least, not far beyond, and only the teamster's not-undeserved reputation for violence even makes me throw a flag down. People, especially public figures speaking at events, do need to watch their language and avoid anything that might make a marginally rational person seriously consider violence, and I think Hoffa's words to that audience definitely comes close if not exceeding that safety line but for the most part the standard I hold people to is not much below what I'd consider incitement to riot. Make no mistake, I do think politicians, especially in prepared remarks, should pick their words with care, but I'd not want to see, say, a pro-lifer speaking before a pro-life crowd say "Those who favor abortion have developed bunker mentality, refusing to compromise on any proposal, well we've got to adapts our bombs to break those places where the abortionists hide" thrown to the wolves for what would be, I think we agree, an absolutely horrible jaw-dropper choice of wording, and I'll extend Hoffa that same courteous if grudgingly.



We've discussed this before, and as I've said, I fully support prosecuting those - especially those holding or seeking high office - who are actually inciting violence. But there must be mens rea, and even short of prosecution and conviction where that must be reasonably proven, in the court of public opinion I for one expect at least a little bit more proof of that then "I hate the guy, so he clearly meant to incite violence." I do not believe for a moment that Perry meant to incite violence, nor has he apparently done so, and lacking much beyond my dislike for Hoffa and the Teamsters, I've nothing to backup a claim that he intended to incite violence, so I won't accuse him of it.