ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Sarah Palin posted a nearly
eight-minute video on her Facebook page early Wednesday, accusing
journalists and pundits of inciting hatred and violence in the wake
of a deadly Arizona shooting that gravely wounded U.S. Rep.
Gabrielle Giffords.
Last spring, Palin targeted Giffords' district as one of 20 that
should be taken back. Palin has been criticized for marking each
district with the cross hairs of a gun sight.
In the video, the 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate said
vigorous debates are a cherished tradition. But she said after the
election, both sides find common ground, even though they disagree.
"But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding,
journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that
serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to
condemn. That is reprehensible," she said.
The term "blood libel" is the false allegation that Jews kill
non-Jews, especially Christian children, to acquire blood for the
Passover or other Jewish rituals, according to the Jewish Virtual
Library. It has been used in other contexts, and Palin's meaning
was not clear. Her aides did not immediately respond to an e-mail
early Wednesday.
Jared Loughner, 22, is accused of trying to assassinate
Giffords, wounding 12 others and killing six people.
"There are those who claim political rhetoric is to blame for
the despicable act of this deranged, apparently apolitical
criminal," Palin said. "And they claim political debate has
somehow gotten more heated just recently. But when was it less
heated? Back in those 'calm days' when political figures literally
settled their differences with dueling pistols?"