Under the Espionage Act of 1917, U.S. law forbids the "incitement of discontent or rebellion" against the government — a crime known as sedition. While the charge is rarely prosecuted, Time magazine's Joe Klein argues that anti-government rhetoric from Fox News commentator Glenn Beck and former Alaska governor Sarah Palin could qualify. Statements from both Beck and Palin "rub right up close to being seditious," Klein said on MSNBC's Chris Matthews Show. No, acutally, this is just part of Klein's tired shtick, says Jim Hoft at Gateway Pundit. "He accused Senator Coburn of committing sedition in December. He accused FOX News of committing sedition in October." In this case, "Joe's right," says John Heilemann of New York magazine. And we should add "Rush Limbaugh" to the list for talking about the Obama administration as a "regime" — which implies "tyranny." Watch Klein and Heilemann discussing the charge:
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Why Spain's economy is boomingThe Explainer Immigration, tourism and cheap energy driving best growth figures in Europe
-
5 trips where the journey is the best partThe Week Recommends Slow down and enjoy the ride
-
5 tax deductions to know if you are self-employedThe explainer You may be able to claim home office, health insurance and other tax deductions
