[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by New Era

In one context, it could be interpreted as a joke. In the actual context of his speech, it was no joke and should not be interpreted as such. Trump spoke these words from a podium in the midst of a political rally. That is the actual context of importance, not the textual context. You have to be aware that there is rhetoric used in this sphere that may appear to be benign but is loaded language that meant to reach a particular audience. These dog whistle terms activate raw emotions that cause certain people to react specific ways. Trump, the master manipulator knows this, so there is no excuse for his comment.

The Journal of Contemporary Rhetoric had an excellent essay on this issue back after the shooting of Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson. The author speaks to the strength of ideological orientations and disruptions leading to confrontation. He also speaks to the long history of dangerous anti-government rhetoric and the dangerous outcomes. He is wise to distance himself from directly laying the blame of the Giffords shooting at the feet of Sharron "second amendment remedies" Angle and Sarah "don't retreat, reload" Palin, identifying Loughner's mental illness as the largest factor in this event, but correctly points out this language contributes heavily to the tone of the campaign and sends messages out to specific types of individuals. For example, less than a month after Giffords was shot down at her event a supporter of Representative Paul Brown was asked by one of his constituents, "who was going to shoot Obama?"

The incredible spike in gun purchases, the hoarding of ammunition, the rapid growth of anti-government militias, and the anti-government actions that have been on display since Obama took office is indicative of this rhetoric having an impact. Once perc over leaders start using this distasteful rhetoric if give followers the confidence they can speak with the same conviction, and worse, act out of those convictions.

There is no excuse for this type of rhetoric because of the context from which Trump was delivering his message. Period.

I don't think anyone disagrees with you, just that Trump is not able to discern these differences or stop the nonsense tumbling from his yap