I was taken to task several times last week by chronically “outraged” opponents of health care reform and supporters of tea-bagging-brownshirt-loud-mouth political tactics because I suggested that a significant segment of the anti-reform crowd is driven by race hatred. “I’m tired of you liberals calling everyone who disagrees with you a racist,” the cry went out, over and over again. “The people in this movement are just concerned patriots who want to save our country from becoming a socialist, or communist, state.”
Really? The photo (yeah, the one depicting the President in some kind of African tribal gear) has been distributed (according to the Daily Kos) by a south Florida group affiliated with the Tea Bagger movement. Nothing racist about that, do you think? Why, hell no. How dare I suggest it?
I can hear it now… “I’m tired of you liberals calling everyone who circulates a funny picture a racist. Ain’t nobody sayin’ anything racist about the nigger … uh, I mean, the President. They’re just having a little fun.”
And, how about those protest signs? Betcha won’t see any racism in the placards at those down home, patriotic tea parties. Watch the video (above right) and let me know. See any racism there? Nah… me neither.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
We may have our first black president, but our country has a long way to go as far as race is concerned. Some Americans seem to be so concerned about the unfair treatment of people in other countries, but can turn a blind eye to the unfair treament of others in there own country.
You’re right, I didn’t see a bit of racism or hatred in any of the clips on that video……nope, not a bit.