Let’s take a step back …

First things first … Before we get into what’s been happening in the rhetoric war after apparent suspected package explosives were sent to Democratic politicians, CNN, and others, let me be clear: Political violence has no place in a democratic republic. We solve our political fights at the ballot box, not with bombs, fists, or guns.

Political violence was wrong when letters purporting to contain ricin – a chemical warfare agent – were sent to members of Trump’s family, administration officials, and Senator Susan Collins’ home. It was wrong when a man consumed with hatred for Republicans – based on what he read in the news – went to a baseball field in Alexandria, Va., and shot at Republican members of Congress. It is wrong if that is what is motivating someone to send improvised explosive devices to political opponents.

If I wasn’t clear: It is wrong.

False … But it is also wrong to put the blame, as the media is doing, on President Trump. It is also wrong to lie about doing so, as Jake Tapper did on Twitter. On Wednesday, Tapper tweeted in response to White House press secretary Sarah Sanders claiming that CNN accused the president of “being responsible.”

Really, Jake? It isn’t too hard to see that this statement is demonstrably false. Here’s an article by Brian Stelter and Oliver Darcy published on Tuesday by CNN titled “Trump’s attacks on media have real-life consequences.” The article image is of the device sent to CNN. The article includes a statement by CNN president Jeff Zucker:

There is a total and complete lack of understanding at the White House about the seriousness of their continued attacks on the media. The President, and especially the White House Press Secretary, should understand their words matter. Thus far, they have shown no comprehension of that.

That looks an awful lot like the person who runs CNN was blaming the president. It’s hard to take that any other way.

Then yesterday, on air – contrary to Tapper’s assertion – Stelter and Chris Cuomo talked about the commonality of the targets. After talking about not being called a “communist” before Trump took office, Cuomo said, “There is something about the reality that talk creates action.” That seems an awful lot like blaming Trump.

Then there were these chyrons on CNN today.

The first one reads, “Manhunt for serial bomber going after Trump’s targets.” The second one reads, “CNN: Trump has no plans to claim any personal responsibility for inciting serial bomber.”

How is one to consider those two chyrons as anything but CNN blaming Trump?

Sending these bombs to Democratic politicians and CNN is beyond the pale; it has no place in society. At the same time, people like Jake Tapper shouldn’t insult our intelligence. None of these statements are mutually exclusive.