WHEN THE RIGHT’S RHETORIC TURNS VIOLENT…. In the wake of last month’s shootings in Tucson, it was common for folks on the left to suggest the right relied too often on violent rhetoric. Conservatives, invariably, were outraged.

There is, however, a rationale behind the assumptions. For example, incidents like these come up from time to time.

If there’s a compelling defense for a state deputy attorney general to recommend use of “live ammunition” and “deadly force” against pro-labor protestors, I can’t think of it.

On a related note, Jay Bookman reports this morning that the Service Employees International Union will hold a rally in Atlanta today, at Georgia’s state capitol. Conservative activists have been encouraged to attend — with firearms.

Update: The Indiana deputy A.G. has reportedly been fired.