Thread: Why is Rashard Mendenhall's recent tweet so controversial?

I think it has more to do with his espousing truther conspiracy nonsense.

Originally Posted by unclassifiable

Rashard Mendenhall Twitter Comments Spark Controversey

"What kind of person celebrates death?"

He is being treated as if he is supporting a fringe position. His comment is roughly equivalent to expressing opposition to the death penalty. Approximately 30% of the US populace is against the death penalty. A position that is supported by 30% of the population isn't a fringe position, so why is the intolerant flag waving mob treating this guy as if he has expressed a fringe opinion?

I have some problems with the death penalty as do a lot of other Americans, but I have no problem with our military killing Osama. The two issues aren't the same by any means. The biggest enemy since WW2, has been killed by our military, I say that is cause for celebration. No apologies.

Originally Posted by Fidei Defensor

I think it has more to do with his espousing truther conspiracy nonsense.

That started a while ago.

Originally Posted by compote_tom

I have some problems with the death penalty as do a lot of other Americans, but I have no problem with our military killing Osama. The two issues aren't the same by any means. The biggest enemy since WW2, has been killed by our military, I say that is cause for celebration. No apologies.

Are you denying that bin Laden was executed by this government for crimes that he was accused of commiting?

Who the hell is Mendenhall?

Originally Posted by ThorHammer

Who the hell is Mendenhall?

The page linked to in the OP answers that.

Originally Posted by unclassifiable

That started a while ago.

No. It was all at the same time, in the wake of the news of Mr. bin Laden's death.

Originally Posted by Fidei Defensor

No. It was all at the same time, in the wake of the news of Mr. bin Laden's death.

I was referring to the general phenomenon of celebrities endorsing "Truther" positions, e.g. that yet another celebrity endorsing them is nothing new.

Originally Posted by unclassifiable

I was referring to the general phenomenon of celebrities endorsing "Truther" positions, e.g. that yet another celebrity endorsing them is nothing new.

This one seemed to be personalizing it to OBL and saying that he did nothing wrong.

I don't particularly care. I'm sure Rashard's a nice guy; he's just a moron with a Twitter account.

Originally Posted by Fidei Defensor

This one seemed to be personalizing it to OBL and saying that he did nothing wrong.

I don't particularly care. I'm sure Rashard's a nice guy; he's just a moron with a Twitter account.

When adherents of an official position eschew civility and viciously attack other people merely disagreeing, then the reputation of the official position is harmed. Others get to use this hostility as evidence that the official position-much like a corrupt, tyrannical government-has to rely on hostility to remain up.

Delusions of persecution don't make a person interesting or controversial.

I had to tell my kids that normally people shouldn't celebrate when someone is killed .... but this guy was a really really bad guy who killed thousands of innocent people, so most people are happy that he is finally dead.