Appealing to the lowest common denominator, to the basest of human

[cali]

emotions, to the "lizard brain", is a time honored political strategy, and it's where repukes invariably go in presidential contests. But the difference this time is that it's more pronounced and more dangerous because of the beast it's prodding to stir, and because we are living in such a stressed and fractured environment.

It's not just about racism. It's about xenophobia- fear of the other. It's about ugly calls to the worst in our history, and it's deliberate as hell.

I won't ignore that it's happening. I won't stay silent in the face of it. I won't accept the media's disgusting relativism which was on full display this morning on NBC.

In this case, discretion is not the better part of valor, and silence is complicity.

[billyoc]

1. Well, of course you're not going to ignore it, that would be insane.

[cali]

2. exactly. the Obama campain may not have the political latitude

to call it out directly, but we do. It is insane to ignore or diminish it. It's fucking dangerous shit.

[H2O Man]

3. Nominated.

Thank you.

To remain silent is an act of moral cowardice.

[cali]

4. thanks.

I do think the Obama campaign is handling this extremely dangerous and thorny stuff very well, but I understand that it's very difficult for them to effectively label it for what it is.

[H2O Man]

6. Just as the

Bush-Cheney administration actively attempted to stifle social conscience, the Obama-Biden campaign seeks to encourage it. There are obvious distinctions between what Barack Obama and Joseph Biden can and should say and do, and what progressive/liberal democrats can and should say and do.

For many a decade, it has been our responsibility to work, at the grass roots level, as the social conscience of this country. It would be a grave error to assume that we have the luxury of ignoring our duty to confront the seeds of hatred being planted by those who are appealing to hatred and fear in America today.

[abburdlen]

5. Don't ignore it, but take it for what it is

This woman was convinced that Kerry faked his way to a purple heart. Evidence? Who needs that. Her tribe was at war with the other tribe so reason be damned.


No doubt this election she's convinced Obama is a Muslim terrorist. Evidence? Whatever. He's on the other team, that's good enough reason.

Back in the 90's when Clinton was President they were saw black helicopters out of the corners of their eyes.

These people have always been out there and the sad truth is they will always be there.
I don't know the best way counter their ignorance but I'm not sure highlighting it is the best option. We have to remember that people are the minority. The more attention they get the more 'mainstream' their views seem.
We shouldn't ignore them though, Tim McVeigh was one of those sure he saw those black helicopters just over the horizon.