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 posted Wednesday, 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.

Video: Palin: Journalists incited 'blood libel' (on this page)
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.

What is 'blood libel'?
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?"

'Acts of monstrous criminality'
Palin quoted former President Ronald Reagan as saying that "we must reject the idea that every time a law is broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker."

"It's time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions," Palin continued, still quoting Reagan.

Live vote: Weigh in on Palin's reaction
"Acts of monstrous criminality stand on their own," she added. "They begin and end with the criminals who commit them, not collectively with all the citizens of the state, not with those who listen to talk radio, not with maps of swing districts used by both sides of the aisle, not with law-abiding citizens who respectably exercise their First Amendment rights at campaign rallies, not with those who proudly voted in the last election."

Story: Conservatives scoff at attempted linkage to shooting
Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik had told the TODAY show Monday that political rhetoric may have contributed to Loughner's actions. "I think the tone of rhetoric that's occurred in this country over the past couple of years affects troubled personalities," he said.

Palin countered that and similar assertions, noting the "peaceful transition of power" when President Barack Obama took office and following the 2008 and 2010 elections, and pointing out that "vigorous and spirited public debates" are part of the process before candidates "shake hands and we get back to work, and often both sides find common ground back in DC and elsewhere."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41036993/ns/politics-more_politics

As Usual she sticks her foot in her mouth.

I wish this woman would learn to speak English.

LMAO

I'm sorry but this woman is ignorant.

No kidding.

I am afraid for this country if she gets in any place of more power.

She sticks her foot in her mouth more often than not. That's not likely to change.

i'm not a palin fan, but i fail to see the connection here... what exactly was so stupid?

Looks as if this has nothing to do with Palin....looks as if Loughner had a fixation on Gabrielle since 2007 at least......there was a letter from this politician to Loughner thanking him for his attendence at one of her functions in a safe from 2007 that he wrote die ***** on it.....

I wonder if she feels this way about religion..?

'"Acts of monstrous criminality stand on their own," she added. "They begin and end with the criminals who commit them, not collectively with all the citizens of the state'

I have never liked Palin; I don't mean that I don't like or agree with her political views, but from what I have seen of her, I just don't like her.

I don't dislike people for being stupid or ignorant, but I do dislike it when ignorance masquerades as intelligence and "truth."

Palin is spiteful and petty. Her exchange with a teacher in Alaska who opposed her politics showed the maturity of a seventh grade--literally! Her sotto voce comment about Michelle Obama was petty (I don't have a TV and wouldn't watch her reality show if I did, but I saw a clip online).

I think Palin's exposure in the media is becoming overexposure for her but benefits her opponents. We have really had a chance to see what type of person she is.

Let her keep talking: the more she puts her foot in her mouth, the better.



Palin is not responsible for the actions of Loughner, but she is responsible for fomenting hatred and divisiveness during a time when Americans should pull together. She is not concerned with what is truly best for the US, but what is best for Sarah Palin.

Like anyone with a brain can see that.....it was aimed at those who would lay Loughners actions at her door......I don't like Sarah Palin and think the woman is a dimwit......and have said before I don't think she could find her way out of a wet paper sack.....

Every Time Palin says something stupid a red winged black bird dies.

ok, name a politician that is not out for personal gain...thousands of political screwballs, and yall just keep naming one?

Only one comes to mind but,the big money won't let him have a voice.
Ron Paul

Gotta' love those Progressive Liberal haters.
They really believe politicians care about them.

LMAO

Who the hell would be naive and dumb enough to vote for Sarah?

If she couldn't handle the pressure of being the Alaska Governor, and thus quit two years in, do you suddenly think she could handle the pressure of being the President?

I wouldn't let her baby sit my dog.
Couckoo can be a handfull sometimes.