To those who disagree that hate speech and incitement by the right, or anyone, don’t motivate violence:

Sarah Palin’s attacks on Barack Obama’s patriotism provoked a spike in death threats against the future president, Secret Service agents revealed during the final weeks of the campaign.

The Republican vice presidential candidate attracted criticism for accusing Mr Obama of “palling around with terrorists”, citing his association with the sixties radical William Ayers.

The attacks provoked a near lynch mob atmosphere at her rallies, with supporters yelling “terrorist” and “kill him” until the McCain campaign ordered her to tone down the rhetoric.

But it has now emerged that her demagogic tone may have unintentionally encouraged white supremacists to go even further.

The Secret Service warned the Obama family in mid October that they had seen a dramatic increase in the number of threats against the Democratic candidate, coinciding with Mrs Palin’s attacks.

I disagree with those who blame Sarah Palin and others directly for what happened in Arizona. I do, however, hold those on the right responsible for adding to the climate of hatred and anger that affects those who are more likely to take action because of it.

Their words matter. Their attitude matters. And the fact that, to this day, those who persisted in giving hostile speeches and encouraged a threatening mob mentality refuse to take any type of Olbermannesque pledge to dial it back, to apologize, adds to their irresponsibility and disregard for human life.

Political power and winning aren’t everything. Lives are at stake. The safety and well-being of this country are at stake. Why is that so difficult for them to grasp?

Relevant segment at about 5:10.