Brian Levin, Noted Hate-Group Fighter, On the Tucson Shootings

Thumbnail image for brianlevin.jpg
Levin
Brian Levin runs the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino and is always called by the mainstream media for insights into hate groups after one of their members commits a crime. Now that word is leaking out that the horrific shooting in Tucson yesterday that left six dead and many injured (including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords) might have been motivated by the shooter's anti-Semitic leanings, the Orange County resident is getting the media call.

But Levin is also putting out his own warnings about the heated times we live in.

Today, in an op-ed piece for CNN's website, Levin warns that angry rhetoric on both sides of the political aisles "can help create a charged atmosphere in which representatives may be viewed as appropriate targets for aggression and scapegoating--particularly among those who are unstable and angry." He doesn't offer any solutions, or even blame anyone, but he does end with a philosophical point.

"It's inevitable that in a nation as large as ours, some people who are deranged or have twisted political goals will act out with rage," Levin concludes. "However, the question for those in the political arena is--Why supply volatile attackers, through irresponsible and overheated vitriol, with an extra match?"

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Weekly Newsletter: Our weekly feature stories, movie reviews, calendar picks and more - minus the newsprint and sent directly to your inbox.

Privacy Policy

Most Popular Stories

Sign up for free stuff, news info & more!

Tools

General

Links

Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places

    Voice Places

    Discover restaurants, nightlife, travel, shopping...

  • VOICE Daily Deals

    VOICE Daily Deals

    Get 50 to 90% off every day on restaurants, movies, massages...

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    More than 10,000 of the BEST things to eat, drink, and experience

  • My Voice Nation

    My Voice Nation

    Join the Village Voice community and get exclusive deals and info

  • Happy Hour

    Happy Hour

    Your local Happy Hour guide at your fingertips

or

Log in or Sign up

Social Connect:

Use your favorite account to access My Voice Nation.


Use your My Voice Nation account to log in:





Forgot password?
or

Sign Up or Log in

Social Connect:

Sign up for My Voice Nation with your preferred network.


Sign up for a My Voice Nation account:



Privacy policy