Perry Derangement Absurdity

Earlier this month Joe Biden was in “trouble” for referring to the Tea Party as “terrorists”, now Rick Perry’s getting it in the neck for suggesting loose monetary policy “between now and the election” is “treasonous” and that if Ben Bernanke turned-up in Texas he’s be treated “pretty ugly”. This might have been phrased better and on the merits of the policy question Perry’s more likely to be mistaken than not but, please, let’s not pretend this is, um, a hanging offence.

Right Andrew? I mean, sorry, but this is silly:

Here’s the actual quote: If this guy prints more money between now and the election, I dunno what y’all would do to him in Iowa but we would treat him pretty ugly down in Texas. Notice the obvious physical threat: “do to him”. Not “say to him”, but “do to him.” Not “I’d do” something to him, but “we” would. And when someone says “we’d” like to “do” something “pretty ugly” to a public official – with a reference to Texas lore, where lynching was once commonplace, I’m sorry but this was a threat of violence, especially in the context of a capital offense which could go unpunished.