Criminalizing The Left

I've been trying to get a sense of the contours of the violent rhetoric on the grass-roots right. But I think I may have over-stated the extent to which this has emerged since Palin ramped up her rhetoric. Of course, those who regularly follow Ann Coulter and Michelle Malkin know all about this rhetorical strategy -- and how long it's been around.
But, a Washington Post story today shows how deep this sentiment/strategy runs in the GOP:

The Maryland State Police classified 53 nonviolent activists as terrorists and entered their names and personal information into state and federal databases that track terrorism suspects, the state police chief acknowledged yesterday.

Police Superintendent Terrence B. Sheridan revealed at a legislative hearing that the surveillance operation, which targeted opponents of the death penalty and the Iraq war, was far more extensive than was known when its existence was disclosed in July.

This can only end badly.