The Dangers Of Revolutionary Right-wing Rhetoric

[Richard]

A case study and something to ponder...from both sides of the aisles.

Richard's $.02

The Dangers Of Revolutionary Right-wing Rhetoric
Walter Rodgers, CSM, 27 Nov 2009

Few places have deeper scars from violent invective and verbal incitement than this North Carolina city where people still speak in whispers, embarrassed by the events of Nov. 10, 1898. Wilmington is tragic testament to the fact that social progress is not inevitable and that, left unchallenged, hateful speech and words frequently morph into violence.

Today, talk of an antigovernment revolution has gone mainstream in America. One federal law-enforcement agency has discovered 50 new militia groups, including one made up of past and current police officers and soldiers. While in office, President Bush was the target of roughly 3,000 death threats a year. President Obama is on pace to quintuple that. In this environment, Americans might well reflect on Wilmington's experience 111 years ago.

In 1898, this city was years ahead of the rest of the American South, building an inclusive, interracial political culture. It had a burgeoning black middle class. A new era of hope dawned in North Carolina.

But the losers in the 1896 elections, the white Democrats, sulked on the margins, threatened by political irrelevance. Their sense of entitlement to governance had just been rejected by white progressives and black voters. "Take back the state," became their battle cry.

And they did just that. On Nov. 9, some Wilmington whites issued a White Declaration of Independence, proclaiming "that we will no longer be ruled ... by men of African origin."

The next day, a vigilante group of armed supremacists forcibly removed the Republican city leaders (both black and white) from office, and took control, burning buildings and shooting blacks. The official death toll was fewer than 20, though African-American oral tradition claims the Cape Fear River was choked with hundreds of bodies. There is no question that thousands of frightened blacks fled.

Neither President McKinley nor the governor of North Carolina (both Republicans) acted to stop or reverse what amounted to a coup and race riot. Soon thereafter, Jim Crow laws undermined basic rights for blacks for the next half century.

One gets a sense of déjà vu listening to today's right-wingers talk. In March, Fox News host Glenn Beck said: "If this country starts to spiral out of control ... there will be parts of the country that will rise up."

That's what happened in Wil*ming*ton in 1898. Those who lost power in elections launched a coup marked by terror. Such a revolutionary impulse resonates again.

This spring, covering an antitax "tea party" protest in Boston, Fox News Business anchor Cody Willard raged, "Guys, when are we going to wake up and start fighting the fascism that seems to be permeating this country?"

The Rev. William J. Barber, president of the North Carolina NAACP, recalls similar sentiment on Southern billboards during the civil-rights era, "painting Martin Luther King as a communist, a socialist, and anti-American."

As in 1898, a prominent black American's patriotism and legitimacy are questioned. Today, the radical, reactionary right asks whether Obama is really an American citizen. Mr. Barber warns of what he calls "a rebirth of dangerous rhetoric," reminding us that "all forms of violence are preceded by violent language."

Today, the hate barometer is climbing dangerously upward. In August, Steven Anderson of the Faithful Word Baptist church of Tempe, Ariz., told his congregants he prays for Obama's death. So, too, does the Rev. Wiley Drake in California.

The lesson is obvious: Healthy language produces healthy communities. Unhealthy language results in unhealthy communities. "The 1898 Wilmington violence laid the foundation for a one-party state, driving a wedge between peoples for political ends," says David Cecelski, a North Carolina historian. "It strikes me as immoral."

Wilmington still struggles with the legacy of these events more than a century later. Generations of black children were condemned to third-rate educations. Today, under the banner of "neighborhood schools," the city, like other municipalities nationwide, faces subtle efforts to resegregate classrooms. Perhaps the most tragic facet of white-hot rhetoric then and now is that democracy was betrayed; and trust, the linchpin of democracy, was destroyed.

A year ago, Wilmington community leaders such as District Attorney Ben David helped launch a reconciliation campaign to restore interracial trust and move beyond blame and defensiveness toward healing. It is a slow process.

Nationally, Americans need to have a similar conversation to avoid repeating the country's painful racial history. Today's fire-eaters and right-wing bloggers might consider the long-term human and social damage inflicted on Wilmington by an earlier generation of alienated politicians. Then they should tamp down their toxic brew of incitement, hateful language, and subtly disguised racism.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1127/p09s02-coop.html

[T-Rock]

It appears Mr. Walter Rodgers is inappropriately attributing “racism” to those (tea baggers) who oppose collectivism

[Warrior-Mentor]

Surprised to see this published by the Christian Science Monitor.

The title alone labels it an attack from the liberal left.

UNDERLINED below are all the Liberal buzzwords.


The Dangers Of Revolutionary Right-wing Rhetoric
Walter Rodgers, CSM, 27 Nov 2009

Few places have deeper scars from violent invective and verbal incitement than this North Carolina city where people still speak in whispers, embarrassed by the events of Nov. 10, 1898. Wilmington is tragic testament to the fact that social progress is not inevitable and that, left unchallenged, hateful speech and words frequently morph into violence.

Today, talk of an antigovernment revolution has gone mainstream in America. One federal law-enforcement agency has discovered 50 new militia groups, including one made up of past and current police officers and soldiers. While in office, President Bush was the target of roughly 3,000 death threats a year. President Obama is on pace to quintuple that. In this environment, Americans might well reflect on Wilmington's experience 111 years ago.

In 1898, this city was years ahead of the rest of the American South, building an inclusive, interracial political culture. It had a burgeoning black middle class. A new era of hope dawned in North Carolina.

But the losers in the 1896 elections, the white Democrats, sulked on the margins, threatened by political irrelevance. Their sense of entitlement to governance had just been rejected by white progressives and black voters. "Take back the state," became their battle cry.

And they did just that. On Nov. 9, some Wilmington whites issued a White Declaration of Independence, proclaiming "that we will no longer be ruled ... by men of African origin." [COMMENT: Anyone paying attention will notice a close similarity to the "CAIRO DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN ISLAM," which subordinates all human rights to only those permitted by sharia, with the goal of subverting and ultimately supplanting the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS.]

The next day, a vigilante group of armed supremacists forcibly removed the Republican city leaders (both black and white) from office, and took control, burning buildings and shooting blacks. The official death toll was fewer than 20, though African-American oral tradition claims the Cape Fear River was choked with hundreds of bodies. There is no question that thousands of frightened blacks fled. [COMMENT: Sounds like Christians fleeing Muslim majority countries and cities once they reach critical mass. Once Christian Lebanon, Egypt, even Bethlehem...the list goes on...]

Neither President McKinley nor the governor of North Carolina (both Republicans) acted to stop or reverse what amounted to a coup and race riot. Soon thereafter, Jim Crow laws undermined basic rights for blacks for the next half century. [COMMENT: Much like sharia law undermines rights of non-Muslims.]

One gets a sense of déjà vu listening to today's right-wingers talk. In March, Fox News host Glenn Beck said: "If this country starts to spiral out of control ... there will be parts of the country that will rise up."

That's what happened in Wil*ming*ton in 1898. Those who lost power in elections launched a coup marked by terror. Such a revolutionary impulse resonates again.

This spring, covering an antitax "tea party" protest in Boston, Fox News Business anchor Cody Willard raged, "Guys, when are we going to wake up and start fighting the fascism that seems to be permeating this country?"

The Rev. William J. Barber, president of the North Carolina NAACP, recalls similar sentiment on Southern billboards during the civil-rights era, "painting Martin Luther King as a communist, a socialist, and anti-American." [COMMENT: This is an attempt to paint a parallel between blacks in the past and Muslims now. Don't be fooled. There's a HUGE difference. No one can choose their race. Race is not an ideology. You can choose your religion. You can choose to believe or dis-believe what you want. Islam is not a race. What race is a Muslim?]

As in 1898, a prominent black American's patriotism and legitimacy are questioned. Today, the radical, reactionary right asks whether Obama is really an American citizen. Mr. Barber warns of what he calls "a rebirth of dangerous rhetoric," reminding us that "all forms of violence are preceded by violent language."

Today, the hate barometer is climbing dangerously upward. In August, Steven Anderson of the Faithful Word Baptist church of Tempe, Ariz., told his congregants he prays for Obama's death. So, too, does the Rev. Wiley Drake in California.

The lesson is obvious: Healthy language produces healthy communities. Unhealthy language results in unhealthy communities. "The 1898 Wilmington violence laid the foundation for a one-party state, driving a wedge between peoples for political ends," says David Cecelski, a North Carolina historian. "It strikes me as immoral." [COMMENT: I disagree with his logic leap to conclusion. There are times when unpleasant talk is necessary. And discussion of Islam's ugly points are necessary for the common good of this nation. read the thread: "Why the Negativity?" for further insight why this is necessary...]

Wilmington still struggles with the legacy of these events more than a century later. Generations of black children were condemned to third-rate educations. Today, under the banner of "neighborhood schools," the city, like other municipalities nationwide, faces subtle efforts to resegregate classrooms. Perhaps the most tragic facet of white-hot rhetoric then and now is that democracy was betrayed; and trust, the linchpin of democracy, was destroyed.

A year ago, Wilmington community leaders such as District Attorney Ben David helped launch a reconciliation campaign to restore interracial trust and move beyond blame and defensiveness toward healing. It is a slow process.

Nationally, Americans need to have a similar conversation to avoid repeating the country's painful racial history. Today's fire-eaters and right-wing bloggers might consider the long-term human and social damage inflicted on Wilmington by an earlier generation of alienated politicians. Then they should tamp down their toxic brew of incitement, hateful language, and subtly disguised racism.

[COMMENT: Again, what race is a Muslim?]

[Richard]

YGBSM!

Richard's jaded $.02

[Dad]

I would call that article very insightful. For 8 long years while the federal government experienced massive growth, our national debt doubled, non defense discretionary spending rose at 1.5 times that of the Clinton era, massive legislation such as the prescription drug plan which was nothing but a gift for big pharm, the people screaming loudest now were silent. The federal government, according to Richard Viguerre, was turned into an ATM machine for special interests, the screamers were silent. Do you know why the prescription drug plan can't negotiate prices? Because "it would be in violation of free market principles." What horseshit! The screamers were silent.Deregulation in the financial industry, which began ten years ago lead to a near collapse of the worlds economy. There was a reason there were rules in the financial industry but they were limiting Wall Streets ability to steal so they were thrown out and the screamers were silent. The Iraq war turned into a cluster fuck! If you questioned it todays screamers said you weren't supporting our troups. We passed one of the largest violations of our rights in history called The Patriot Act and if you questioned any part of it you were a traitor. And todays screamers were silent!
The Obama administration inherited 2 wars and a financial crisis of immense proportions. Almost immediately certain peolple began to assault him for a variety of reasons. Some even publicly stating they hoped he failed. So NOW the screamers decide to scream! Why not 6-7 years ago? Race? Or something even worse? I think a little of both. And there are plenty of people in this country who are willing to be blindly led.

[Pete]

Dad, your last post was long on Horse Shit.

Your "facts" are a jumble of half truths. The prescription drug plan was opposed by conservatives.

Most of Bush's "reach over to the Democrats" ideas were opposed by conservatives.

Bloated Federal spending under cover of Homeland Security was opposed by conservatives but used as pork paybacks by both parties.

The financial mess can be laid right at the feet of the Democrats - not Republicans.

That was why support for McCain was so weak from the right and only picked up after he picked Palin to be his running mate.

The left is now looking at another bailout of people who should not have bought homes to begin with.

[Team Sergeant]

Originally Posted by Warrior-Mentor

Surprised to see this published by the Christian Science Monitor.

The title alone labels it an attack from the liberal left.

[/COLOR]

Walter Rodgers is a former senior international correspondent for CNN.

Nuff said.

[Dad]

Sorry, it was not bullshit, no disrespect meant. The founder of an investment banking firm in the Midwest and a securities lawyer have been warning me of the disaster for 10 years. The lawyer is a member of the federalist Society and the investment banker served as finance chairman for numerous Republican campaigns from governors to senators. They were both committed Republicans. There may have been Dem's who went along, but the deregulation in the financial industry was led by Republicans--notably Phil Gramm. OOPS, you're right. Phil Gramm was a democrat until he switched!!

And don't forget Tom Delay's participation!! He is the one who told Bush(reportedly) to keep his hands off the budget when Bush wanted to cut it. And he is now on the board of the American Conservative Union! However, upon his appointment 6 board members resigned in protest.
Good reading is "To Big To Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin. Books by Portnoy(?) are suppodedly outstanding as he made the predictions in them. I have not read Portnoy, only had the info in them relayed to me.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Dad

Sorry, it was not bullshit, no disrespect meant. ....

Sorry, any post on the financial issues of last year that does not address the CRA and the Democrats and ACORNs pushing of it and the expansion of its priciples is bullshit.

[The Reaper]

I was born and raised in NC, spent most of my military career in NC.

I have spent a lot of time in Wilmington, have a lot of friends there.

The only time I hear this story is when someone feels that it supports some agenda they have, and dredge it up. I too am surprised that the CSM would publish this screed.

There are many events in our past by people of all races and creeds that are lamentable. That cannot continually be the basis for all future decisions. We need to accept the past, move on and embrace personal responsibility for our own actions and accept the consequences.

As far as education and opportunity goes, there is no one born in this country today who is prohibited from success by anyone other than themselves. THe current occupant of the White House clearly demonstrates that.

TR

[Irishsquid]

Right-Wing revolutionary rhetoric? How's that for unbiased reporting? Of the thousands advocating violent revolution, I don't know of many outside the crazy nutjob militias who do so out of rascism. Most are alarmed by the increasingly socialist and globalist federal government, growing larger and more powerful at an astounding rate. These same issues are of serious concern to most of us, I think. Difference is, most of us don't advocate violent revolution.

Question I have is, at what point does one decide "enough is enough?" I'm sure at first, Nazi Germany started with a few silly restrictions and gun-control laws, right? Can't overthrow a government for that...

Instead, though, the Jews waited until they were being wholesale slaughtered before they even thought to resist. Where is that point in the middle where a line is drawn? When does it become a serious enough matter that one is willing to be the first to stand and fight, in the (possibly) vain hope that others will join his cause?

[Team Sergeant]

I find it ludicrous that anyone, especially "journalists" are discussing the race issue as a concern with the current administration.

Today, race is not the issue and in my opinion simpleminded little men (and women) that use race in any right or left wing debate/discussion are nothing more than ignorant, left wing pandering, self-serving, disingenuous morons.

The current application of race and racism is nothing more than an attempt to deflect, misdirect & redirect right wing criticism as nothing more than racism that carries no credible weight and, therefore, should not be heard.

So far the only individuals that have blatantly thrown the "race" card have been far left wing extremists and simpleminded peanut farmers. And the only one admonished for his throwing of the race card was the peanut farmer. The above article by Walter Rodgers is a shining example of what I'm talking about.

I don't look at obama and see black, I look and see him as an intelligent "extreme" left wing socialist with a dangerous agenda.

Team Sergeant

[echoes]

Originally Posted by Team Sergeant

I find it ludicrous that anyone, especially "journalists" are discussing the race issue as a concern with the current administration.

Today, race is not the issue and in my opinion simpleminded little men (and women) that use race in any right or left wing debate/discussion are nothing more than ignorant, left wing pandering, self-serving, disingenuous morons.

The current application of race and racism is nothing more than an attempt to deflect, misdirect & redirect right wing criticism as nothing more than racism that carries no credible weight and, therefore, should not be heard.

So far the only individuals that have blatantly thrown the "race" card have been far left wing extremists and simpleminded peanut farmers. And the only one admonished for his throwing of the race card was the peanut farmer. The above article by Walter Rodgers is a shining example of what I'm talking about.

I don't look at obama and see black, I look and see him as an intelligent "extreme" left wing socialist with a dangerous agenda.
Team Sergeant

Very well said, TS Sir!!! Very dangerous.

Holly

[rubberneck]

It's interesting but after the midterm elections in 2002 the Democrats found themselves in much the same place that the Republicans found themselves a year ago. Displaced and powerless the rhetoric from their side was no less hateful and seething with anger not only at the President but at the government than what is coming from the right today. Why is it why the right expresses the same sentiments the threat of violence is quite probable but when it comes from the left it is patriotic dissent. It's bullshit. Pardon my french.

[lindy]

"Dad",

It seems that your facts that you cite are "accurate" but very slanted.

Deregulation in the financial industry, which began ten years ago lead to a near collapse of the worlds economy.

You imply that because nobody was looking it's ok to take what's not yours? So it was the SEC's fault for not catching crooks such as Madoff? I would argue that the cause of the collapse was greed, lack of integrity, and lack of personal responsibility.

The founder of an investment banking firm in the Midwest and a securities lawyer have been warning me of the disaster for 10 years.

Yes but you (wrongly) imply that Bush caused it.

(source)

former Wall Streeter Robert Cox noted that “in response to political pressure at the time, the GSEs took steps to make homeownership more affordable for lower-income Americans and those with a poor credit history.” Those steps encouraged riskier mortgage lending by minimizing the role of credit histories in lending decisions, loosening required debt-to-equity ratios to allow borrowers to make small or even no down payments at all, and encouraging lenders the use of floating or adjustable interest-rate mortgages, including those with low “teasers.” Home ownership rates soared to historic highs and all was well as long as home prices increased and lenders could comfortably convert floating-rate mortgages to fixed-rate obligations. Then home values declined. Lenders foreclosed when buyers missed payments as adjustable mortgage rates increased. When the mortgage-backed securities plunged in value as a result, Fannie and Freddie turned to Congress to cover the losses.

The reference to political pressure is mostly likely the 1997 VA/HUD appropriations bill:

A centerpiece of federal housing efforts has been the FHA loan program run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This mortgage program has helped numerous first-time home buyers overcome obstacles that would have been insurmountable under conventional mortgage programs. With lower down payment requirements, lower asset requirements and looser credit standards.

The kicker about this bill was:

The bill cuts public housing funds by $515 million relative to last year, an eight percent cut. The bill also provides $185 million less in public housing operating funds than the Administration requested, choosing instead to fund this account at the FY 1999 level that is widely acknowledged to have been inadequate.

The bill fails to fund any of the 100,000 new Section 8 housing vouchers that Congress authorized as part of last year's public housing reform act. Housing vouchers help low- and moderate-income families, including elderly, disabled and working families, afford apartments that they locate in the private market.

Can't afford an apartment? Heck, just go buy a house! But the poor didn't want to live in a crappy house so why not buy one that was recently "flipped"! HGTV will show you how to flip a house and the profits will be TAX FREE!

"The big news for home buyers and sellers in 1997 will be President Clinton's campaign promise to eliminate the capital gains tax on home sales for profits below $250,000."

The Iraq war turned into a cluster fuck! If you questioned it todays screamers said you weren't supporting our troups.

Please clarify the Charlie Foxtrot you ref'd above. Some say the goal was regime change. Others say the actual goal was create a jihadi killing field; a place where Islamic fascists would gather to die so they wouldn't come here. Dunno.

We passed one of the largest violations of our rights in history called The Patriot Act

Have you actually read it? There's even a section on myths. Please expound how our rights have been violated by this Act. If the USG wants to look at my library books, internet use, etc, I say have at it. As part of my agreement with the USG, they're already looking at my medical records, credit report, banking records, etc.

The Patriot Act and if you questioned any part of it you were a traitor.

I would suggest a slight change to "...if you questioned any part of it you were misinformed."

And there are plenty of people in this country who are willing to be blindly led

Research is the key to prevent this. I learned very early on to find 3 sources, two of which would be opposing viewpoints, then compare and contrast. Then go with your gut...or you could wait a few months and then make a decision based on which decision will make you more popular.

So NOW the screamers decide to scream! Why not 6-7 years ago?

Because 6-7 years ago, my kids, my unborn grand-kids, and I weren't paying for my neighbor's house, car, and soon his new refrigerator...oh, and ultimately his damn medical bills. I have worked to pay for the stuff I have and expected NOTHING to be "given" to me. Is that the same now? Want to refi your house but underwater? If you're current on payments, tough. Miss a couple and over extended on credit cards, car payment, etc...well, come on down!

Race? C'mon man! A weak argument point often used by those who cannot justify a logical opposing viewpoint!!! Unless you're talking about the 2012 Presidential Race, then yes: It is about THAT RACE!!!

I suggest you research the political affiliation of the leaders of the following cities:
Detroit, Buffalo, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Newark (hint: all share Democrat "leadership").

Then research the poverty rates of those cities.

Yes, I too hope the Democrats fail. I don't want to live in a country where that type of leadership is accepted as the norm. (oh damn...I just wrote that and I read one of Richard's posts today. I'm on the list for sure now.)

Lindy