Summary
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) posted a video suggesting journalists would report “less false stories” if violence were still used to resolve disputes.
He referenced the 1890 Capitol shooting of Rep. William Taulbee by reporter Charles Kincaid, who was acquitted.
After backlash, Mullin claimed he was joking and criticized The Oklahoman for covering the story.
A former MMA fighter, Mullin had previously threatened a union leader in a Senate hearing. Critics say his remarks echo Trump’s escalating “fake news” rhetoric and hostility toward the press.
There’s no “I was joking” excuse for inciting violence. Being a politician means you are responsible for the consequences of your words. Or at least, it would if we had a functioning justice system.
Its called Stochastic Terrorism, and now that he’s done it, he can be locked up without due process, and shipped to El Salvador.
So I guess it’s totally fine to joke about guillotining this guy. Have at it, boys.
GUYS! It was a JOKE! Calm DOWN! But also STOP Flipping Off TESLA OWNERS because that is TERRORISM!
He referenced the 1890 Capitol shooting of Rep. William Taulbee by reporter Charles Kincaid, who was acquitted.
So…
His example is elected politicians getting shot for lying about some bullshit to a reporter?
That’s some change American voters may be ok with…
But also the complete opposite of what he wants to do.
This is standard procedure.
Claim it was a “joke”. That way, others can say the same thing and use the same excuse. This normalizes it. Then, when some lone wolf actors take it seriously and act on it, people like this can say “We had nothing to do with it! He acted on his own!” and disavow themselves of all responsibility.
This guy would love it if MAGA morons started taking it seriously and attacking reporters.
“Stories I disagree with.”
Would be a decent enough idea if “fake news” actually meant outlets/personalities that just blatantly make shit up, but we all know what he actually means is “anyone I disagree with.”
Nothing in his tone suggests it’s a joke. He appears to be creating this video to tell a historic story relevant to that place. He nor annyone else nearby laughs. Posted to his senate account used for official communication. He can fuck all the way off with that lame ass attempt at an excuse.
Lemmy user floats use of violence against reds and oranges.
I do not expect anything good from the Oklahoma Oblast.
Markwayne “Hillbilly is in my name” Mullins
Judging by the R next to his name, I’d bet he shares a lot of fake news. I don’t think he wants to live in this fantasy world.
Of, it’s that asshole who said it. Yeah, not at all surprised.
What about politicians willfully lying, How does he think we should handle that?
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