I suppose that must be it. To me, somebody poking pins into a doll isn't half as scary as a bunch of unhinged individuals going around hurling bricks, insults, and threats.
But, that's just me.
Unhinged is the key word.
When you intentionally combine misinformation with fearmongering hysteria you always have a certain portion of a group that acts out in a mentally unhinged manner.
The teabaggers have way over played their hand. Not only are they seen as dangerous but there are large groups popping up on the other side to showing how rational people CAN fully express themselves without the insults and violence.
It's COFFEE for me... those guys can keep their bitter tea.