SIGNS OF HATE

It isn’t subtle at all. Since Barack Obama has been elected president, the right has infused political debates, not with substance or facts, but instead with lies and worse — has co-opted the icons, themes and imagery of the Nazis and the Holocaust. It’s one thing to oppose Obama’s push toward a comprehensive healthcare bill — that was fully expected of the losing and sore-loser party — but to accuse him of being a monster because of his agenda is quite another. Signs at rallies have depicted Obama as a Nazi brownshirt; they have shown photos of Hitler, Stalin and Castro, adding them up with plus signs. The equal sign leads to none other than Obama. Not just stupid, because Hitler and Stalin were megalomaniacs, mass murderers and psychotic, none of which applies to President Obama. But downright shameless and meanspirited. Another sign depicted the notion of the “Death Panels,” a phrase and concept coined by Sarah Palin. Obamacare, which is what the right calls Obama’s Healthcare push, is termed as “The Final Solution.” Again, co-opting the language of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust. Another sign that was flat out racist, depicted a Lion and Obama. The copy: “An African Lion is ok. But not a Lyin’ African.” Offended? If we are not, we are part of the problem. Worse, the Republican Senators and Congressmen at the events where signs like these are displayed, say nothing about them, and thus give their tacit approval. It is shocking that the people who not only oppose a national healthcare program, but will lie and spread those lies, are conisidered by some to be heroes. Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, who infamously shouted out “You Lie” when the President addressed congress, is now considered a hero by the right, and quickly raised $200,000 in campaign contributions. Incidentally, the signholders are obviously in the dark that their heroes’ campaigns are bought and paid for the health insurance companies, who are terrified by “Obamacare.” Another rightwing hero –  rabid commentator Glen Beck. He regularly spouts conspiracy theories and calls Obama a racist. Welcome to the re-emergence of the power of “The Big Lie.” And behold the Republican party born anew. A lack of tolerance at the very least. Promoting hatred and racism at its worst.

Tagged as: " "Congressman Joe Wilson, " "Death Panels, " "health care, " "health insurance", " "Sarah Palin, " healthcare, " Nazi, "Final Solution." "Obama", "Glen Beck, "The Big Lie, hero, Holocaust

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