Consider this part two in my concern report for what is going on in our country. This past Tuesday former president Jimmy Carter was bold and courageous enough to call out the republican party on their encouragement of the dangerous racist fringe element in our society. He was brave enough to say what other liberals and decent politicians in general have been afraid to. The White House quickly denounced his remarks, but why? He simply told the truth about a dangerous and subversive movement that is on the rise and threatens the very civility of our nation. On September 12th, some 70,000 or fewer people gathered in Washington, D.C. for another tiresome tea party rally against health care. Let me be state right now that as a media personality I whole heartily believe in the freedom of speech. What I do not agree with is veiled racist threats and hatred spewed under the disguise of free speech. If you saw any video footage from that rally, any normal person should have been concerned at the outright racist depictions of our president. Worse yet were the placards throughout the crowd saying to bury Obama with Kennedy. How frightening and morally bankrupt. Yet, even with these blatant displays of racism and encouragement to assassinate our president, you would be hard pressed to get any republican politician to even acknowledge such activities. What have we come to as a nation to turn our backs on such hatred?
My heart is so grieved at the tolerance of such behavior. The likes of Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and other like minded individuals incite hatred and fuel fear each and every single day on the radio and on television. There is even a pastor (probably many) that openly encourages the assassination of our president, going as far as to say it would not count as murder. There are some in the "Christian" world who have even called president Obama the anti-christ. I am disgusted by anyone who hides behind their religious belief to encourage hate and ignorance.
It is time to stand behind president Carter and even speaker of the house Nancy Pelosi who have openly discussed their concern at the direction of the angry health care debate. They know it is not about health care at all. Left wing extremists have just chosen to attach their message to the health care issue. We must start calling out any political leader who chooses to turn a blind eye to this sickness. We must demand them to begin to denounce such disturbing behavior. We must force them to bring some sense of civility to this debate. If we stand idly by, this fear and hate mongering will continue until violence ensues. It is only a matter of time before one of these rallies erupts into something even more vicious and insidious.
You can do a number of things to help in the endeavor. First and foremost remember to pray for our president and his family's safety every day. When you hear hateful rhetoric in your home, on your job and anywhere call that person on their actions. Take the time to have dialogue and help that individual(s) to stop and think about what they are saying or doing. Finally, take the time to call on your representatives on both sides of the isle, and demand that they publicly denounce the blatant disrespect of our president.
Debate is healthy. Protesting policies you do not agree with is also healthy. Taking your discourse beyond policy and making it personal is definitely wrong. Spewing hate and name calling is wrong. Encouraging the harm of any human being is wrong. Take a stand before it's too late.
J
