The role of hate in the 2010 elections

[pampango]

http://www.politicalaffairs.net/the-role-of-hate-in-the-2010-elections/

There is no doubt that racially-motivated hatred of President Obama was central to the Republican and the Tea Party campaign as well. Republican Party leaders fomented attacks on the President about his nativity and his racial background, and Tea PArty activists all-too-eagerly followed suit. Missing the big picture, too many on the left, unfortunately, unselfcritically lent credence to right-wing claims about his competence and leadership with their simplistic and divisive calls for "criticism" of the administration.

In Nevada, Arizona, California, Colorado, and Florida, especially, anti-immigrant, anti-Latino campaign ads and rhetoric ruled. Tea Party favorite Sharron Angle in Nevada described Latinos as "illegal aliens" as coming in "a wave" and then told one audience that she couldn't tell if they were Latinos or Asians. The message her campaign drummed out was that Latinos are illegal, they aren't real Americans, they do not deserve the social benefits of living in our society and that politicians who support equality are dangerous. Fortunately, Angle was defeated with the aid of Latino voters in Nevada who came to Sen. Harry Reid's rescue (a bright spot for future Democratic victories).

There is some speculation that Democrats will make a final push in the lame duck session for some immigration reform policies, such as the DREAM Act, which would provide a path to citizenship for tens of thousands of immigrant youths, but comprehensive immigration reform is off the table for at least two years.

While the GOP's handling of immigration and LGBT equality did not present solutions or even touch on the central concerns of the vast majority of voters – job creation – Republicans were all too eager to use hate and divisiveness to win the day. Without a doubt the election proved the necessity fo building unity by people who know better, rather than fostering or aiding in the promotion of division – no matter how high-minded they think they are.

[Frustratedlady]

1. And, can anyone explain to me how this hatred is connected to Christian values?

None of my RW friends have been able to answer this question. I will say, though, they quit making "coded" or outright racial remarks once I ask.

If we can't beat them, we can shame them without being obvious.