Sarah Palin: "America's Enduring Strength" from Sarah Palin on Vimeo.



In the wake of the shootings in Arizona that killed six people and left US Rep Gabrielle Giffords seriously wounded, former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is making a plea to the media not to "manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the hatred and violence that they purport to condemn."

Palin posted this video message to her critics saying, "Like many, I've spent the past few days reflecting on what happened and praying for guidance. After this shocking tragedy, I listened at first puzzled, then with concern, and now with sadness, to the irresponsible statements from people attempting to apportion blame for this terrible event."

She condemns the idea that heated political debate inspires violence like the rampage committed by 22-year-old gunman Jared Lee Loughner in Tuscon: "Vigorous and spirited public debates during elections are among our most cherished traditions. And after the election, we shake hands and get back to work, and often both sides find common ground back in D.C. and elsewhere. As I said while campaigning for others last March in Arizona during a very heated primary race, 'We know violence isn't the answer. When we 'take up our arms,' we're talking about our vote."