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None Dare Call it Racism
The tone and volume of what passes for political or social discourse these days (and, largely, at least since the early days of the Clinton presidency) suggests plain, old-fashioned intolerance, reactionary and self-centered priorities, and bigotry in all its forms, not merely racial. The scandal is not that it is out there, but the extent to which those with their own personal agendas abet and encourage its proliferation without blunt and aggressive challenge from American conservatives (that is to say, those with an abiding devotion to democratic principles). With Mr. Obama's election, however, the facade of false civility and respectful debate is finally stripped away, exposing these parasites for what they really are: 21st Century, home-grown Brown Shirts. One heard a great deal of bleating and chest pounding about "American values and traditions" during last weekend's million mad-man march. What strikes me as noteworthy -- but, into which I, perhaps, read too much -- is the subtle turn of the phrase. That is to say: "American" has replaced "democratic" as the lead-in to "values and traditions". It may be hyper-sensitive parsing, but I suggest that the angry mob and its cheerleader enablers have dropped all pretense of adherence to, or promotion of, democratic values and traditions. Their conduct and speech betray what is becoming increasingly apparent: these are decidedly not people who are interested in preserving, let alone promoting democracy in any form. As a result, for the first time since the late sixties it is possible to imagine that the Union may, indeed, be at risk.
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I agree with what you're saying. One little cavet: lets not call them "brownshirts." It gives those on the other side an easy out of saying - "look they call us Nazis, too" when the relation between brownshirts and the rise of fascism had nothing to do in the beginning with the Final Solution. Also it gives them a little more organizational capacity then I think they possess. They are mostly a loosely banded group that are pulled this and that way by corporate and media forces. I like Chris Matthews' term, "insurrectionists." They are not about the democratic process, and nothing makes them giddy then thinking about the violent overthrow of the government, tearing everything down, without a clue as to what they really want to have in its stead.
September 16, 2009 2:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
I would add that not only these folk insurrectionists, they're racist insurrections for the most part. So many of these came out of the woodwork during the Clinton years, but not as many, and not as frothing at the mouth.
September 16, 2009 2:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
"One little cavet: lets not call them "brownshirts"
- Why now?
Al Gore did just that waaaay back in 2004.
September 17, 2009 8:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well, doesn't bother me one way or another, really. People can call them brownshirts if they want, Gore included. I just think it gives them a little too much credit that they could be so organized. I would like to be a fly on the wall when all the militia leaders try to figure out the chain of command.
September 17, 2009 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for your comments. As to whether these folks are organized, I can only say that I just started reading Morris Dees' "A Lawyer's Journey" and, I have to say, it seems clear that one can never underestimate this bunch. Fueled by ignorance, hatred, bigotry and paranoia, their agenda is frightening, even if one assumes they lack competence. However, many of these groups are often led by people with impressive military training and credentials and, in some cases, some who are still on active duty. Accordingly, I suggest that we take these "fringe characters" lightly at our peril. (For anyone interested, visit the Southern Poverty Law Center's site at: http://www.splcenter.org)
September 17, 2009 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink