They are being used

This is basically a response that I made in another thread about someone who actually cried on TV about her kids being exposed to Obama's speech. ThOP there talked about racism and a sense that Obama is not supposed to be there.

I agree wholeheartedly that this is a very real part of the equation, but there is a very real helplessness in the land and that helplessness has been fed by right wingnut demagogues on radio and TV. It is started before that, however. Race is only one part of it. A large part that these hate filled cretins use as fuel, but more than that ...

I have written some papers in grad. school on the topic of inequality and an now working on my professional paper on that topic. I firmly believe that the economic inequality in our country harms our democracy - our society- in a hundred different ways.

It breaks down our social fabric and democratic norms. Democracy is all about inclusion -empowered inclusion- This inequality eats first at the empowerment, and then at the inclusion itself.

Equality, as James Gailbraith says, "blurs the distinction between people." It eats away at the social capital that supports the democratic norms of reciprocity between different groups.

The racial mistrust is down there somewhere in a place we don't want to think about, but equality fuels the reciprocity that at least keeps it "controlled" and allows our disparate society to function. Inequality feeds the dysfunction creating a dystopia and an real overall helplessness.

Into that mix come the Limbaughs and Becks, Malkins and Coulters, using this race fear and sense of helplessness to create real emotional distress.

Let me add a disclaimer hear about Godwins Law. I am about to mention a topic that is used over and over on both sides of this equation to fan the flames. I make the reference, however, based upon my academic research into the disciplines of history, political science and sociology, and upon my considered conclusions of that research. It, therefore, is used advisedly and with serious intent.

Here I go: ... getting ready to jump in ... almost....deep breath ... JUMP!

If this road sounds familiar, it is because it is. There are different examples of it throughout history, but the one I choose for comparison, based upon its insidiousness, evil, and familiarity, - you guessed it - is 1920s and 30s Europe
fascism, and particularly the form of fascism that was spurred by Adolf Hitler in some sick twisted place in his sick little twisted mind. Given magnification of Goebbels and the others.

Now, remove those personalities from the historiography and, instead, insert Limbaugh, Beck, Bachman, and the rest. They lit the fire under the cauldron that was already there and they add to the potion as they stir.

That woman's helplessness and fear is very real indeed. It is illogical and not based on reality, but what is logic and reality to these pus spewing hate mongers that whipped this up?

I guess I forgot the link,.... sorry.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=6472694&mesg_id=6475294

I was watching the weather radar becaus they said that stuff in Abilene was coming this way, but nada

but can't complain - anything is better than what we've been getting. I live in South Austin - my partner says we just don't pay the preacher enough down here!

the right people ... the ones that are stirring this mess up ... not necessarily at the poor dupes that are but pawns in the game.