So what if he wasn't a 'Republican'

[rapturedbyrobots]

Of course i'm talking about Loughner.

There is more to the political spectrum that D & R. There are political philosophies that can't even be squeezed into the spectrum between D & R. Like anarchists and 'Patriots'. But even those groups on occasion align themselves with electoral political blocs in strategic ways. Like how you'll often find anarchists aligned with commies, socialists, social democrats, and registered Democrats at anti-capitalism/globalization events. Or how you'll find Tea-Baggers and Fundies and fiscal conservatives, and log cabin Republicans occasionally putting aside their differences to elect the next anti-immigrant mouthpiece of the (original) pro-business party.

Point is that he might not be a registered Republican, but he is definitely coming from the crazy part of the universe inhabited by the 'Patriot' movement that gave us such gems as Tim McVeigh. These guys are DEFINITELY not liberal, or aligned strategically with the left. They are to the right of the right of the crazy. And if they align with anyone electorally/politically out of mutual convenience it is with Republicans.

And they definitely listen to right-wing hate radio...not Air America.

[villager]

1. unrecc'd by some silent apologist for GOP rhetoric...

n/t

[pintobean]

5. bullshit

Because it doesn't make sense.

[rapturedbyrobots]

6. really?

what part? please elaborate.

[villager]

9. If they elaborated, that would require more than just saying "bullshit."

Let's see if that happens...

[pintobean]

10. The whole thing

The first shit thrown didn't stick. This won't either. The guy is a lunatic and all over the political map. Your analysis is nothing more that wishes.

[rapturedbyrobots]

15. are you familiar with the Patriot movement?

they ARE all over the political map. they make libertarians look almost normal. they are crazy as shit and have lots of guns. the point is that it doesn't matter whether he's (or the rest of the movement) identify as republican or not. this movement is dangerous no matter how you slice it.

[rapturedbyrobots]

16. here's a start

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriot_movement

he fits the bill pretty damn well.

[Rex]

2. Believe it or not, he is a registered Republican.

But like you said, there are other things involved besides just D&R..

[Common Sense Party]

3. Independent.

Unless you've seen something that indicates otherwise.

[rapturedbyrobots]

4. that was a fake

the name of the city was even spelled wrong on the registration page 'tuscon'?

reports i've heard say he's been confirmed as a registered independent.

but again...it's more about where this type of ideology aligns when necessary to engage with electoral politics, and that's always on the right.

[Rex]

8. What was a fake?

[rapturedbyrobots]

14. sorry

i assumed you were basing the statement he was registered republican on the picture of an registration website that's been circulated here before. it was either an obvious forgery, or people in AZ can't spell the names of their own cities. actually, both are equally likely.

[Upton]

11. Independent

Loughner registered to vote on Sept. 29, 2006, identifying himself as an independent. Records show he voted in the 2006 and 2008 elections but is current listed as "inactive" on the state's voter roles -- meaning that he did not vote in November.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/09/arizona-shooting-news_n_806397.html#177_loughner-wa

[LisaL]

12. He wasn't a registered republican.

[emilyg]

13. I believe you are wrong.

[Catherina]

7. Unrec. n/t

[LawnKorn]

17. Loughner was a misguided victim of extreme right wing rhetoric that played on his mental illness

The assassination of Judge Roll and shooting of Representative Giffords by Loughner had contributing factors from the right wing. The right wing subtly, and sometime not so subtle, throws out suggestions to 'reload' and seek second amendment solutions. This trolling for action pulled up a young man, Loughner, who became a tool of the right.