I've read speculation that if Obama ever became the Democratic nominee or tried to be President "they" would kill him. I believe that's true.

First, nurtured by the NRA and other groups who insist that every criminal have easy access to a cheap weapon, the US has a culture of violence to be envied by any African or South American country looking to "disappear" people. Every day and night there are not only random shootings but executions carried out by people with firearms. Even internationally, the US uses violence as it's method-of-choice for resolving difficulties. Violence is admired, fostered and encouraged in games and the Federal Government.

Consider other youthful Democrats who stood for changing the status quo, John and then Robert Kennedy. And then Martin Luther King. All assassinated. Guns.

Consider the willingness of certain Christians to assassinate doctors and others working in women's health clinics performing legal abortions. After the fact there is covert aid to the killer while hand-wringing in public. Prior to these killings there is support and well-wishes, with Christians saying that they can't help it if members are driven to violence. It was liberal politicians who were sent anthrax, a type of anthrax only available to the government and, wonder of wonders, the sender has eluded Bush's FBI to this day.

So who is the "they" I believe would kill Obama? Those who ascribe to the values of Conservative politics will provide the moral support for violence (witness Iraq, Afghanistan), the justifications and see that the weapons are available, cheap and easy. Then they just have to wait until some armed "nut" dashes out from the herd and accomplishes the task. Sublimation. Incite enough idiots and something idiotic will happen. And the inciters can wring their hands and complain about the violence they so encourage.

I'm out on a limb here, I realize, just remembering history, noting some trends, and looking at that which has happened, not what is hoped for.

Arf