(The Washington Post) – Here’s Fox News earlier this week, shamelessly exploiting a tragedy to gin up outrage.
They certainly aren’t the only ones. Here are some more examples of media outlets and politicians spreading the hysteria:
- “War On Police Sparks National Crime Wave”
- “Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick: There’s A War On Cops And Media ‘Are Not In Police Officers’ Corner’”
- “Police face recruiting shortage due to war on cops”
- “Do Cops’ Lives Matter to Obama?”
- “[New York Police Chief] Bratton warns of tough times ahead due to ‘war on cops’”
As I’ve noted here before, we’re seeing similar rhetoric from politicians, particularly from GOP presidential hopefuls, including Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and Scott Walker.
All of this fact-free fearmongering is having an effect. A Rasmussen poll taken last week found that 58 percent of respondents now believe there is now a “war on police.” Just 27 percent disagreed.