The Legacy of McCain-Palin: Hate

The postmortem has begun as the GOP regroups and the new President-Elect gets to work. As we move forward, I can't help but remain upset at what the 'honorable' POW and his mavericky running mate wrought upon this country.

Hate.

And not the kind of hate we bloggers spew from time to time when venting, and not the kind of hate you may feel for higher taxes or broccoli.

No, these two 'honorable' mavericks ended their campaign by rallying the fringe portion of their party that lives on death, destruction, and imposing their way on the world at all cost. Force. War.

We learn today that the US Secret Service, the agency in charge of protecting our President-elect and his family, dealt with an increase in death threats against Barack Obama coinciding with Sarah Palin's 'attacks' on his patriotism.

"The Secret Service warned the Obama family in mid October that they had seen a dramatic increase in the number of threats against the Democratic candidate, coinciding with Mrs Palin's attacks."

According to the article, Michelle Obama (my fellow BlogHer AND MOMOcrat) was so upset that she turned to her friend and campaign adviser Valerie Jarrett and said: "Why would they try to make people hate us?"

Now I will be the first to admit that we've all seen campaigns attempting to scare the American public for or against one candidate. However, those scares were always against the candidate's tax plan. Or maybe his foreign policy, or perhaps his stance on abortion.

Those usual and predictable scare tactics weren't good enough for honorable maverick #1 and #2. They had to go that extra mile and question the very core of exactly what their base was afraid of: who is this black man, with an arab middle name, and could he be the enemy?

Kudos to McCain-Palin because it worked. The fine Americans protecting our President-elect had to deal with an influx of death threats and step up their job.

The fringe whackos who should never end up front and center ended up on every front page, all over YouTube and infecting other Americans with their ignorant and embarrassing rhetoric.

Yes, the legacy of McCain-Palin is now an empowered contingent of this country arming themselves, spreading their lies, and genuinely afraid of the black man in office- because their hero Sarah told them it was OK.

Congrats Mavericks, your plan worked. Now your legacy will forever be tangled in hate, stupidity, and America at her absolute worst.

Erin Kotecki Vest is usually over at BlogHer writing with much less snark, but let's her mouth free at her own site Queen of Spain blog.

Comments

[deanobama]

...and all of this against the backdrop of a foiled assassination plot against Obama during the DNC in Denver. Good job, losers. (Palin: "You bet'cha!")

[Daisy]

Extremely disappointing.

[Linda]

Actually, the "Mavericks' " plan didn't work. Obama's win showed that the forces of hate don't get the final word!

[EnglishForDirtyForeigners]

Whilst not entirely related to the thread, let me tell you of the only place on the internets that will lie to you about English language, traditions, customs and stuffs.

Oh yes, we have many stuffs:
http://www.EnglishForDirtyForeigners.com

Come for the comedy, stay for the hilarity.

[Natalie]

Oh yeah, there are some loonies out there, case in point, a comment that was left on a video I posted of my son on Youtube and forgot to turn off the comments and ratings:

"This video is GARBAGE!!

You should have that poor little boy taken from you by children services!

Teaching that kid about Obama is CHILD ABUSE!!

I bet you are one of those loony liberals that would sit back and watch an innocent baby be aborted and not even bat an eye or have ANY remorse!!!"

It was a very short video - I asked my son who won the election and he said "Obama". That was it and it somehow warranted a comment like that.

This is the type of person who thinks Obama is the Anti-Christ and shouldn't be walking this Earth. It makes me sick how much hate there is out there by supposedly God-fearing Christians.

I worry for Obama, but I will never regret voting him into office, those people who would threaten his life are the scum of the Earth.

[April]

But look how far hatred got them. McCain/Palin ran a campaign based on fear and hate. Obama/Biden ran a campaign based on hope, change, and unity. And look who won.

I come from generations of Southerners on both sides of my family My mom's side is so compassionate and accepting, its filled with nurses, social workers, military veterans. My dad's side, on the other hand, is about as racist as it gets. It sickens me to think that there are people out there still using the N word casually as if its still 1963. It sickens me even more to know that I'm related to people that do.

I was bombarded with emails about how Obama is a Muslim, Obama is a terrorist, Obama's going to steal from the rich and give to the undeserving poor and the illegal immigrants.

Since the election, I haven't sent one single email to my dad and my aunt, not even an eloquently worded version of "Na nana na na! We-ee-ee won!!" because I don't need to. President Elect Obama has made his point, quietly and effectively. Hope will kick hates ass any day!

[deanobama]

"Actually, the "Mavericks' " plan didn't work. Obama's win showed that the forces of hate don't get the final word!"

I do not believe that the racists and haters have said their entire piece. I fear for Obama and his life. Each day that Obama sits in the oval office is another day that racism is broken down. The racists and haters won't let that stand.

[Scheherazade Khan]

You know, we oughta never mention the disasta from Alaska's name again. Period. As far as I can see, her "strategy" consisted of inciting hatred and division, nothing more. That the forces of unabashed arrogance and ignorance were defeated this time around, doesn't mean that they won't surface again. Democracy requires vigilance. Thankfully we have you guys, and hopefully the next 8 years will help to roll back the hate of the past 8.

[WineWonkette]

When someone threatens a Presidential candidate, isn't he subject to Federal Investigation? Ms. Palin should be as well. Perhaps she should be put on a Homeland Secuity watch list, since what she was doing amounted to nothing less than domestic terrorism.

[Greenconsciousness]

Your woman blame is the real hate - woman hatred - prick worship. You are fascist in your refusal to allow criticism of the Dear Leader and you are exploiting the misogyny of mass culture to silence criticism. Check yourself - what goes around - comes around. All women suffer from sexism and you are not above it no matter how you shill for your particular male idol. I voted for him so don't bother to characterize me with your woman slander. You will not be rewarded for trashing other women for a man.

[mom101]

I also wrote about the victory of hope over hatred, and was surprised to see some readers have no idea what I was talking about. Sometimes good beats evil, thank goodness.

And I continue to wonder at what point you are allowed to criticize another woman for her ideas and not have it called sexist. As I recall, none of us ever referred to Palin's shoes. Or her hair. Or her shapely figure. Only to her ideas and her vile use of fear to incite the base against her opponent.

[cynematic]

We everyday Americans may be scared out of our minds as we look at the economy and job prospects. But at least we aren't morally bankrupt and susceptible to the lies, tricks, and hateful divisions the GOP seems to count on to win every election.

Not this time. Hopefully, not ever again.

[Greenconsciousness]

You characterized her criticisms as inciting hatred - that is the line -- I accuse you of the same thing -- is that discussing issues? No! That is fascism. Stick to what she actually said and respond to it -- if you think it is not factual then cite the real facts with a link. Characterizing with YOUR opinions of what her debate points will lead to and assessing her motives is over the line.

[Queen of Spain]

Greenconsciousness- a few things

#1 I characterized her as inciting hatred via evidence from THE SECRET SERVICE.

#2 Explain to me how that's sexism.

[Q]

This is so sad. Hate for McCain/Palin, Hate for Obama. both sides are at fault for this. Here are some questions for you the blogger. The problem here is there are those of us who want to live our lives without the specter of government intrusion. We want the ability to own firearms to protect ourselves. Have you ever been to a public housing project after dark. Have you ever been targeted by a black person because your white and where you grew up you were the minority.I grew up on the fringes of such in area. We had our home broken into and vehicles stolen. The need to protect ourselves was inherent. In Reading this chances are you have not. Have you ever spent a day in the circuit court of Norfolk, VA watching case after case of individuals of color who have been involved in crime after crime only to be released on bond because the jails are overcrowded. That is why there is concern over Barack Obama over his gun rights voting while in Illinois. Do you truly believe that Abortion is "Okay" what about abstinence or responsibility for ones actions. As of up to this point service to our communities and Military is voluntary,However if you listen to Rahm Emmanuel it is going to be compulsory now. I want my children to have the right to chose if they are going to serve not be forced to. Explain to me Mr. Obama's national police force. What do we need that for? I know Stalin had one called the GRU or NKVD and Hitler had one. You may remember who they were,the "SS" responsible for enforcing the yellow star of David on the Jews and the death camps. Do you like Obama for the reason the woman in Florida did. That you feel Obama is going to take the burden off your shoulders no more mortgage or bills. I am sorry for you if you do, nothing good comes from this life without hardwork. I dont want the government interfering with my choices in this matter. What about the Tax for the rich? They worked and earned it, is that not their right. What about those on the bottom who make no contributions. It has been researched and found that those on the bottom earning wise is a result of there lack of education. So you mean people actually have to apply themselves to succeed. What a concept. How about Mr. Obama's comment on clinging to guns and religion? Well lets see this country was founded on independent rights. I have the right to believe in whatever God I chose, but Obama comes from that line of Elitist your party is known for that believes that man should be given a clear line of direction by the government and only fools believe in a higher being. Like I said I am sorry but I have the right to worship how I chose, no man will ever tell me otherwise or belittle me for that. I have read your Blogs and you show a lot disrespect towards President Bush. I do not agree with him 100% but I know what he is just a man who puts his pants on one leg at a time. But you speak of hate towards Obama, but fail to look at how your party has referred to Mr. Bush the last eight years, well I am sorry you will have to get used to being on the other side of the disrespect. The fact remains Barack Obama is inexperienced and unproven and his ties to terrorists like Bill Ayers and crooks like Rezko has left a bad taste in a lot of people in this countries mouth. You know in the end we are all Americans, We conservatives are not leaving we will not be beat into submission nor would I expect if in the minority would liberals give up either . If you want respect you need to show it, as I reminded my conservative friends several years ago when Republicans had the majority politics are constantly moving and compromise and true bipartisanship are the only real answer. The liberals in this country will be on the minority side again in the future. If you chose to gloat and not see the big picture and history of our nation we are doomed to repeat this fools cycle for generations to come. This country is a middle ground and we have forgotten this. The choice is yours.

[lildb]

Q: "It has been researched and found that those on the bottom earning wise is a result of there lack of education."

*drums fingers, looks skyward, sighs*

[cynematic]

Q, I call False Equivalencies All Over the Place in That Long, Rambling, Internally Inconsistent Comment Of Yours.

Since when has Obama or Biden EVER tacitly allowed a supporter to utter the words "kill him," or "he's a terrorist" about McCain?

And since when has Obama EVER ginned up a totally untrue pretext like "weapons of mass destruction" in the hands of Saddam Hussein and launched a pre-emptive war on the people and heads of state of Iraq? Um, that's right: NEVER.

But Bush has done exactly that, and it's unforgiveable that he seems to be fine with having sent over 4,100 Americans to their deaths for really, really poor--mostly fabricated--reasons.

Nice of you to come and make these comments on Veterans' Day. I guess the irony might be lost on you.

[Tiny Marie]

Spewing hate leaves a bad taste in ones mouth!

[Q]

Instead of making statements that dance all around what I asked or proposed, answer the questions. Oh and never assume that I do not know the cost of sacrifice and make snide comments about the timing of my post ( Veterans Day). You know nothing of me or about me. I have come interested in engaging this group in meaningful discussion. I have not descended into a rhetoric of hatred. You completely danced around my questions and failed to answer anything I asked. I would dare say if knowing me personally would any of you attempt to be as rude and false as you are being right now. I have come to be civil, you have a support for Barack Obama. I am asking simple questions and using MY experiences to draw why I am concerned about his possible policies. Ohh and why I am discussing this. How are you going to feel in two years time when we are still in Iraq and still in Afghanistan but at that point we may using conscripted service. Answer the questions, I am interested in good dialogue. Like I said I belong to the common sense middle ground. If you are sacred of discussion by all means continue to attack me with senseless diversions. Ohh and let me say this about your thoughts on war. Plato: Only the dead have seen the end of war.

[mom101]

Q, there is no meaningful discussion without truth. You need to provide links to credible sources for statements you make or really, the only way people respond to absurd accusations is with a heavy dose of snark.

I'll take on just a few: 1. The issue of crime is not relegated to people of color. You are making it a racial issue instead of a socio-economic one and that speaks worlds about you.

2. No one here has ever had an issue with abstinence, only with abstinence-only education which has been proven ineffective around the world and in two recent major congressional studies.

3. The idea that the only reason people don't succeed is because they just don't try hard enough is nonsense. Not even worth taking on.

4. A progressive tax is perfectly reasonable and hardly unique to our country; besides which our rates are lower than 23 other industrialized nations.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Income_Taxes_By_Country.svg
You want a big fancy unwinnable war? Someone has to pay for it.

5. Rahm Emmanuel is not the President.

[Lawyer Mama]

Q - I happen to live in your area. Yes, somewhere in that long incoherent ramble I caught the reference to Norfolk Circuit Court.

Obama is not going to try to take away your guns (not that he could anyway - 2nd Amendment anyone?); he has no plans to create a national police force, unless you consider active and engaged young citizens working to better themselves and their country to be some sort of "police force;" we've always had a progressive tax; jeez, I can't keep going b/c there's so much crap in your post.

If you truly want to engage in discussion with us, you need to try what MOM101 suggested - citations to original sources, not just what you happened to hear on Rush Limbaugh or Fox News.

You are right though that respect is a 2 way street. Progressives haven't gotten much in recent years either. We've been called socialists, communists, haters of America, traitors, and been accused of treason. You seem to only be seeing the world from the right and that, tragically, is what has been wrong in this country for the last 8 years.

[Scheherazade Khan]

Q, Your comments suggest that you have quite a bit of angst about the policies President-elect Obama may enact. Whilst your concerns are entirely valid, I suspect what is objectionable is the antagonistic tone in which you express them. That, unfortunately, is a sad remnant, characteristic of the quality of the dialogue of the past 8 years. We liberals (or progressives, if you prefer) constantly and consistently disagree with one another about what constitutes the best way forward, with respect to a diverse set of considerations. However, at the end of the day, we don't spew animosity or hold malice towards each other, because we understand that it is our fundamental right to a)voice an opinion b)hold opposing views. Sadly, I don't think the current administration has ever been very open to divergent or opposing viewpoints. Consequently, in order to get ourselves heard, we have had to speak loudly, and vote even louder, in order to be heard. I think you will find that under the future administration, your opinions and ideas will, at the very least, be given a hearing. So, no need to be uncivil or uncouth or screechy. Also, fyi the founders/bloggers at momocrats are "spreading freedom and democracy" in a way that no amount of wars or weapons ever could. And for that, you could show a little respect.

[jaYne]

Hi Q.
your personal view of the circumstances you had experienced w/ regards to how you could come to your perspecive of coloured people may be understandable, albeit unacceptable as an excuse anymore when you inserted the race of the perpetrators of the crimes..will relay that socio-economic factors [mentioned previous post] may contribute to the reasons why many of all persuasions act as they do..although it is a generalized perspective, many may not understand that to you it is a valid concern, one that personally affected you and relates directly to the issue over gun ownership.. hopefully your view can change to fear of the crime instead of fear of the race who committed the crime..i appreciate that you tried to be a bit balanced by asking us to respect each other..the need is for us to acknowledge that others are allowed to object with reason the principles they don't support..and we must try to do this without resorting to personal attacks [that in itself is quite a challenge]..acknowledging that quite a bit more than a few objected to Bush and company's lack of respect for the American people and his followers complete dismissal of his tactics and end resulting quagmire makes one less inclined to want to discuss respectfully the issues that you deem relevant..my feeling from your post is that you may be reacting to what you hear about some subjects and not what you know as fact..that's why i felt a bit of trepidation creeping up on me because i did no research on the Obama policy with regards his potential national service to community..sometimes it's easy to just accept that of which i want to believe without resorting to research when it comes to what i don't know..i feel it is a basic lack of responsibility on our part to ourselves and others to spew before we know..this causes a tremendous amount of confusion and mistrust..i appreciate that you are willing [it seems] to have discussions with others of opposing views and that is hopeful..we have alot to talk about..i'll say it took time to realize that it was self-righteouness obstinence i exhibited by not listening, without reacting, to others points when they didn't have the same views as mine..it's sometimes still a struggle..but i'm thankful for the information, the viewpoints, the fear, the agony, the hope, the joy, and mostly the therapy i've enjoyed by reading these blogs....wishing you the best..