Double Standard of the Day

Let's compare a couple of statements.

First, we have Eric Rudolph (1996 Olympics bomber), speaking of bombs he planted at abortion clinics:

The abortion was the target of the first device. The murder of 3.5 million children every year will not be "tolerated." Those who participate in anyway in the murder of children may be targeted for attack. The attack therefore serves as a warning: anyone in or around facilities that murder children may become victims of retribution. The next facility targeted may not be empty.

Next, we have Bruce Friedrich (.wav file in link), director of vegan outreach for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals:

If we really believe that these animals do have the same right to be free from pain and suffering at our hands, then, of course we’re going to be, as a movement, blowing stuff up and smashing windows. For the record, I don’t do this stuff, but I do advocate it. I think it’s a great way to bring about animal liberation … I think it would be a great thing if all of these fast-food outlets, and these slaughterhouses, and these laboratories, and the banks that fund them exploded tomorrow. I think it’s perfectly appropriate for people to take bricks and toss them through the windows, and everything else along the line. Hallelujah to the people who are willing to do it.

Granted, Rudolph carried out the acts; Friedrich only advocated them. But if a pro-life advocate said what Friedrich did about abortion clinics — "I don't bomb them, but I think it's great when others do" — he would be (at the least) roundly excoriated and might even be sued for conspiracy to commit violence by a group like Planned Parenthood or NARAL. So how is it that the actions of Eric Rudolph are soundly condemned (rightly so, and have led to his serving four consecutive life sentences), but the comments of Friedrich get a pass?

(HT: Tech Central)