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Rush Limbaugh's Call for Race Riots in Denver
Some of you may have read that on his show today Rush Limbaugh made comments calling for riots in Denver during the Democratic National Convention this summer.
<blockquote>He said the riots would ensure a Democrat is not elected as president,
and his listeners have a responsibility to make sure it happens.
"Riots
in Denver, the Democrat Convention would see to it that we don't elect
Democrats," Limbaugh said during Wednesday's radio broadcast. He then
went on to say that's the best thing that could happen to the country.</blockquote>
I studiously avoid listening to Limbaugh but my son tunes into him as he believes in knowing what the enemy is up to. According to my son what wasn't reported in the story is that Rush was playing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" in the background while he made the comments. In addition, in the Indianapolis area where my son currently resides Hillary Clinton ran at least four ads during this show. Of course her campaign had no way of knowing that Limbaugh would make such comments but should have used more good sense as he's made plenty of outrageous statements in the past. Coupled with her reaching out to Scaife and Fox News this really doesn't look good.












Comments (66)
OK, this can't be covered under the First Amendment - isn't this like yelling "fire" in a crowded theater? Can't the FCC investigate this fucking asshole? He is absolutely beyond the pale - screwing around with the primaries is one thing; inciting riots is quite another.
April 24, 2008 10:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Only if there's reasonable threat. In other words, can it be proven that it would be likely to happen because he said it ?
April 24, 2008 11:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Al Sharpton first called for riots in Denver weeks ago while defending BHO. Where was the outrage then obamabots?
April 25, 2008 6:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
It sounds like terrorism to me. Is this a Republican fatwa? A holy war against fellow citizens? Who made him Cleric of the republican party? This isn't funny.
April 25, 2008 10:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
More precisely, it's called SEDITION.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedition
April 25, 2008 10:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
LOL...tell me it's not true that Clinton is running ads on Rush's show. That's beautiful.
April 24, 2008 10:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oops press send too soon...I remember Clinton supporters telling me that Obama was running ads on Rush's show in TX (IIRC) and that was proof that Obama was no good.
April 24, 2008 10:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think this should be recommended. It deserves a thorough discussion. Please consider recommending it.
April 24, 2008 10:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's what I want to know, Carol. Bad enough that Limbaugh has been inciting election fraud. But RIOTS?
April 24, 2008 10:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
But...it's not going to Denver.
April 24, 2008 10:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now this might be crazy......
but cant we call the police? Isnt this terrorism activity...by 2008 standards?
If this was a college student they would have arrested him just on the CHANCE he might do something.
April 24, 2008 11:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
It ain't going to Denver.
This isn't 1972.
April 24, 2008 11:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Correct. It has to be over in June. We cannot get a nominee 2 months and change before the general election.
April 25, 2008 4:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Al Sharpton first called for riots in Denver weeks ago while defending BHO. Where was the outrage then obamabots?
April 25, 2008 6:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
They style themselves Obamanauts now.
April 25, 2008 9:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Do you have a link? I find it highly unlikely that Sharpton could say something like that and the media not jump on it.
April 26, 2008 12:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
Whether he crossed any threshold legally I'd say not quite yet. Recommending riots in Denver with White Christmas playing in the background is not subtle and it is calling for race riots. That is a neo-nazi's dream. For it to be illegal the riots would have to occur and be able to be attributed to him for at least some of the rioters. If that connection could be made then he would definitely be open to both criminal and civil prosecution. It's amazing how this campaign is driving the racists out of the closet. I agree that this post should be recommended.
April 25, 2008 12:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
He was never in the closet, he was always a racist and stupid to boot.
April 25, 2008 7:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Aren't there laws against inciting a riot, not necessarily participating in one?
April 25, 2008 12:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
That was my impression. Heck, that's what they arrested Jim Morrison for in New Haven, and he didn't say anything about a riot.
That said, Rush is a blowhard, drug-addled, twit that most likely has as very little, if any, influence. His numbers have been on a steady downward trend for a few years now.
Still, hate speech shouldn't be encouraged on a National Radio venue.
April 25, 2008 8:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, I think you are right, after making that comment I have been looking at some stories and I think incitement to riot/incitement to violence is a felony even if there isn't a subsequent riot. My bad.
April 25, 2008 5:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is why we need to make our voices heard that we will not tolerate the ugly racist direction this election cycle is headed. I do blame Hillary and Bill, they played the race card first, it's open season now!
April 25, 2008 6:58 AM | Reply | Permalink
So Wright says God Damn America and Rush wants to incite a riot. I have really grown to hate the mainstream media.
April 25, 2008 7:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Won't there be Federal Officials at the convention? Senator's and Representatives? Yep!
Then this sounds like a potential threat against a Federal official...that's a violation of the law...federal law...and the FBI usually investigates, however in these trying times, what with all the tarra-ists running rampant, I believe this is a job for Homeland Security.
Whoever heard this threat, should call the hotline and report it!
April 25, 2008 8:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
Honestly, this is nothing to be concerned about. Limbaugh's underlying assumption is that Clinton would be the nominee, thus inspiring protesting race riots. This little vision of his assumes pet project Operation Chaos will do in the Dems once and for all!!!...so much bluster and ego-inspired blather.
Obama will be the nominee. There will be no race riots.
April 25, 2008 8:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well, Douglas Wilder predicted that there would be rioting in the streets if Obama isn't the nominee months ago. The problem might be that we have people who when confronted with a mic and a camera can't stop running at the mouth.
Democratic leaders need to put a lid on this asap.
April 25, 2008 8:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah Bev, but there's quite a difference between "predicting" something and actively calling for one's listeners to "make it happen."
It's probably a ratings stunt, or Rush was high again.
April 25, 2008 8:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's playing with fire and shouldn't be given the benefit of the doubt, regardless of the motive.
April 25, 2008 10:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Frankly, I don't believe that Limbaugh is quite the powerhouse he and others believe he is.
April 25, 2008 2:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
"I believe this is a job for Homeland Security."
Oh yeah, that'll work! They can surround the convention center with FEMA trailors.
April 25, 2008 9:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Demagoguery... it's like democracy, only different.
I didn't think he could disgust me anymore. I was wrong.
April 25, 2008 10:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
Was it Hutus or Tutsis who called for radio listeners to start massacring their enemies? I forgot.
If Rush did this, then his only hope of claiming a call to action (the action being civil unrest) is legal is to say it was all a joke. It's parody! Only kidding, folks. Heh heh.
I'm not saying that would work. But it would be typical Rush.
Write to the FCC, and make sure you specify what station you heard this on. Include every detail. Especially do so if you live in the Denver area. Speaking as someone in radio (little noncommercial station) I know this, encouraging people to riot, is a huge no-no. You don't even joke about that shit.
April 25, 2008 10:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
How about organizing some sort of preemptive retribution? C'mon, we're much better at organizing grassroots activism like this then they are. Let's shock and awe them in Saint Paul.
April 25, 2008 11:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
AAs would not riot. They just would be supremely disappointed in the party. Many wouldn't vote for Clinton in the GE, and many would also leave the party for good.
April 25, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
**AA'S? Was he race-specific in his call to arms?
April 25, 2008 4:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, the gluttonous tub o' goo was cleverly playing the tune "White Christmas" in the background, so.....
April 25, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hmmmm Rush is a dope-addled, condom carrying racist prig so what else do we expect out of some one like that. He has lost his mojo for any thinking person so he has to appeal to the Bubbas of the world. But now that I think of it, he has that Bubba mentality audience so who knows what will transpire.
April 25, 2008 12:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Isn't this similar to what happened in Rwanda? Folks going on the radio and urging them to "kill the devil"??
April 25, 2008 1:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Am I the only one on here who would relish the opportunity to beat the living hell out of some Republicans?
April 25, 2008 2:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Is Rush a muslim? I mean, does anyone know he isn't a muslim? He could be all hyped up on drugs with a koran in hand thinking up ways to destroy our democracy.
April 25, 2008 2:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Obama will be the nominee. There will be no race riots" So, conversely, your prediction is, if Hillary is the nominee......?
"I have really grown to hate the mainstream media." So, the media is to blame for these idiots.
If Fl couldn't convict Rushie for dealing drugs, they won't get him on this one either . More's the pity.
Just like Kenya, if their guy doesn't win, they will.............
April 25, 2008 3:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
This arrogant, reckless anarchist should be arrested. Charged and convicted and sent to prison.
April 25, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Can I ask here, in all seriousness, just who it is who is going to pay any attention to Rush Limbaugh and riot cause he said to?
I'm sorry - this is rather silly.
I hate Rush bitterly and Carol may have a point - legally you can't instigate a riot - that's not protected speech.
But Rush and Dick Cheney are practically lovers, so good luck with that.
Basically, this is another one of those mythic rumors that has no basis and is absurd on the face of it. Rush doesn't command an army of listeners.
April 25, 2008 3:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rush is a giant gasbag who couldn't walk three blocks in Denver without needing an oxygen mask.
That's why there's no need to worry about riots. The altitude will suck all the energy out of the out-of-towners.
And the natives don't do riots. We don't do anything that might cause us to spill our lattes on our Birkenstocks.
April 25, 2008 3:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Of course her campaign had no way of knowing that Limbaugh would make such comments..."
Except that they should have expected him to say something equally ugly or absurd, just based on his history.
Sad thing is, if she wants a radio spot on a the biggest talk radio station in the area, during its prime time, then it's going to be during Limbaugh's show and on the station with Limbaugh.
And yes, this is protected speech. He's hoping for race riots, not leading or inciting them. For him to step over the line he'd have to actually go there with a megaphone and try to rile people up. Getting perhaps a bit too close to the action for comfort if you're a big fat drug addled white man.
April 25, 2008 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
They can put the Florida and Michigan delegates in the FEMA trailers.
April 25, 2008 5:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
I sent a comment/suggestion to MoveOn.org that they get a petition going to the FCC for some sort of punitive action against Limbaugh.
You can go here to do so:
http://pol.moveon.org/feedback/fb/form.html?tp=suggest
April 25, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is in fact a federal crime to "incite to riot." http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t121c25.pdf [Sorry, don't know how to add a link here.] While I do think Limbaugh is a joke, I think the issue is larger. People are reacting to the fact that it has been too long that those on the right have not been held accountable for anything they do. Granted, there have been much worse offenses, oh name anything Bush has done in office, but I for one would be happy as a clam to see Limbaugh called to task for his remarks.
April 25, 2008 6:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
O so would I.
But see, I was a defense lawyer for years and years and I know for a dead certain fact, that if Rush Limbaugh was the same person, but black, he'd be in prison for those drugs right now and he'd be there for a long time.
So I can't imagine getting a federal charge against him.
I can imagine filing complaints with the FCC. That can get action.
April 25, 2008 6:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's not the federal statute.
April 26, 2008 12:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
NO NO NO! Let him come to Denver. I'll fly out and meet him. Then I'll kick his fat, druggy ass all the way to Golden, CO.
April 25, 2008 6:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Al Sharpton first called for riots in Denver weeks ago while defending BHO. Where was the outrage then obamabots?
April 25, 2008 6:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Where's your proof, anonymous online jackass?
April 25, 2008 6:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, but I don't give substantive responses to trolls.
April 25, 2008 8:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
So you're admitting you have no proof? Maybe a link? You've made the same comment several times in the thread. Back it up if it's real. Lend yourself some credibility. Besides, Tena isn't a troll. She makes a lot of comments on these boards, but a troll she is not.
(Yes, I know how to use Google, but I refuse to be your footsoldier.)
April 25, 2008 8:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
No wonder you don't answer your own posts.
April 25, 2008 11:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
No outrage! Bring it on!!!!!
April 25, 2008 7:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
All right then. You are making a statement, without any supporting corroboration. Can you supply some?
Better?
April 25, 2008 8:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just had a thought. (Pick yourself up off the floor now)
Consider the nuclear option: Obama could threaten the SD's with a third party run which would guarantee a Clinton defeat.
"I'm done with politics just a final FU on the way out."
Talk about hardball politics!
April 25, 2008 7:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
That might actually lead to an Obama victory.
April 25, 2008 9:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Personally, I'd love to see someone walk up to the bloated, festering pustule on the arse of humanity that is Rush Limbaugh, on his favorite golf course, pull out a fairway wood, and pound his head into a bloody pulp.
I'm not urging anyone to actually DO it, mind, I just think I'd enjoy hearing the news that someone had.
April 25, 2008 8:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
That doesn't look like a federal statute -- it looks like North Dakota law. At any rate, it does make it clear that an "imminent" threat is required. Talking in May about an event in July doesn't cut it. It also appears that the "incitement" has to be "urging" or "directing" persons to riot. Rush only seems to have been saying riots in Denver would be a good thing.
April 25, 2008 8:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
we had race riots here in Australia a few years ago. A right-wing radio talk back host got in trouble for egging it all on.
April 25, 2008 9:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Urk...rush limbaugh...denver riots...white christmas...hillary ads...must turn computer off...head exploding...
MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP!
April 25, 2008 9:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rush transcript:
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_042308/content/01125112.guest.html
April 25, 2008 9:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rush will deny he meant for his followers to incite a riot, that's a given. But didn't he link his wish for rioting to HIS Operation Chaos? Seems he did.
April 25, 2008 10:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
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