Scarey column of the week

Orcinus argues that eliminationist rhetoric is no longer the sole domain of fringe crazies on the right, but that it is increasingly intruding into mainstream conservative dialogue.

My very clear impression of the rank-and-file American right is that many if not most of them, at the behest of their leaders, now believe that opposing George W. Bush and the Iraq War, as well as his handling of the War on Terror, is an act of genuine treason worthy of the ultimate social condemnation, including incarceration and execution. They feel not only vindicated but profoundly empowered by the election result, empowered to silence their opposition, by force if need be.

Sadly, he doesn't suggest how to fight the rising tide of reflex hatred.

I am left with that worry that we're a few crazed bureaucrats from the rounding up of Muslims, and then of liberals, and/or academics... and then who will speak for me?

(Those in need of additional reasons for sleeplessness should check out Dave's excellent essay on the rise of pseudo-fascism, linked in sections here.)

(via Medley)