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Racism, Special Interest Groups And Nativism?

with 15 comments

I am not sure what to make of the 400% increase in threats against the US President, whether or not they are motivated by actual racism, simply venting of the spleen, tied to the economic decline in the US or as a result of the hatred stirred up by medical and other special interest groups against health reforms in the US.

It could be anyone of them, bits of them or a combination.

That’s excluding that streak of Nativism which has come to the fore over Obama’s birth certificate. Whatever happens I think that the tactics of right-wing shock jocks in talk radio stations vilifying Obama are dangerous and partly to blame for this situation.

Read more at Racismreview and see the video clip.

Update 1: I should add for European readers that it is, basically, against the law to threaten to kill (directly or indirectly) a US President, under United States Code 18, section 871:

“(a) Whoever knowingly and willfully deposits for conveyance in the mail or for a delivery from any post office or by any letter carrier any letter, paper, writing, print, missive, or document containing any threat to take the life of, to kidnap, or to inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States, the President-elect, the Vice President or other officer next in the order of succession to the office of President of the United States, or the Vice President-elect, or knowingly and willfully otherwise makes any such threat against the President, President-elect, Vice President or other officer next in the order of succession to the office of President, or Vice President-elect, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.”

Written by modernityblog

13/09/2009 at 14:48

15 Responses

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  1. 400%? Count me sceptical. And Lord knows, there is a widespread campaign, from CNN, to the New York Times, to MSNBC, to the Associated Press, to MSNBC to paint any disagreement with, dissonance with, opposition to President Obama as racism. Fuck them.

    Meanwhile, for 8 years we heard shit like this.

    mesquito

    13/09/2009 at 15:12

  2. And mod, the nutty Pastor says nothing about race, and the man with the gun is black, but somehow you and CNN make this about racism? Please.

    mesquito

    13/09/2009 at 15:14

  3. “but somehow you and CNN make this about racism? Please.”

    You should read what I write with greater care:

    “It could be anyone of them, bits of them or a combination.

    I have found from experience that people who *are* bigots don’t always tell the truth, thus it is perfectly reasonable to assume that SOME, not *all* has its origins in low level racism.

    How much I can’t tell, but I ain’t excluding that possibility

    modernityblog

    13/09/2009 at 15:44

  4. Well, mod, “Racism Review” — whatever the hell that is — presumably knows where the blame lies.

    mesquito

    13/09/2009 at 15:51

  5. I know for a fact the Doctor’s and Nurses make more money then the average person..Coders are paid very well because they are the ones that make the money for the hospitals. As far as HOSPITAL”S, and for some reason, since the 1980’s, have gone from a helping INSTITUTION to BIG BUSINESS.. The last thing we need is a voice from either group because as mentioned above;they are above the national average earnings in this country. As far as Doctor’s, they treat most of their patients like cattle..I guess they know the true meaning of the phrase “strength in numbers” I have worked with nurses that did nothing, but brag about how much money they were earning because of weekend shifts. I watched how they worked and what they did, and with some training anybody could do. I feel the problem is that Doctors and Nurses, in general, don’t want this reform to go through because it would certainly cut down on how much money they would earn..I am for the Health Care Reform. “Go get them OBAMA”! It’s about time somebody went after the Insurance Company’s, Pharmaceutical Company’s, and the AMA. I know a lot of people that do not have health care and their credit has been destroyed. This has nothing to do with “robotic surgery” it has to do with BIG BUSINESS”. What ever happened to good old fashion patient care? Maybe, that’s what we need to focus on rather how much money needs to be made by, and unfortunately, BIG CORPORATE AMERICA! The only thing that bothers me about the Health Care Reform is that OBAMA is suggesting that Doctor’s would also be less responsible, in the event that they make surgical mistakes. Very Scary.. There are too many Doctor’s that get away now with the surgical mistakes, and people are left to suffer the consequences. There needs to be balance and fairness for the consumer and medical profession, and now it’s time for the people to decide.

    MoM

    13/09/2009 at 17:16

  6. MoM,

    So how exactly does that all relate to death threats made against the President?

    modernityblog

    13/09/2009 at 17:30

  7. I’ve read everything that was posted..The deaths threats, by whom? The minister? If so, then he should be treated like any other criminal..The person carrying the gun in AZ? Was he there to support what the minister said, or was he there because of the fact that WE have a right to bear arms… The problem I’m seeing with all of this is that President OBAMA is going against some powerful “Corporates” in this Country, and now the truth is being exposed to the American people.. Who sets the standards on procedures as far as medical? The pharmaceutical companies charge way to much for a drug that may costs $3.00 to make, but they charge $250.00 per script..Enough is enough!! Don’t you think?

    Mom

    13/09/2009 at 19:23

  8. Sorry, MoM, but it is not clear what exactly you are getting at?

    Do you approve of threats towards the President or not?

    modernityblog

    13/09/2009 at 19:53

  9. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!As mentioned above deaths treats are just a smoke screen behind what’s really going on? I don’t think it’s a racial issue as much as people want the American people to think, and are trying like hell to make it into one. However,they are and have been successful making it into one. I would hope the American people would be smarter then what most people give us credit for. THINK!!! The” President of the United States of America” wants health care reform..It’s the first President to speak out or take action!! There are death treats because he is trying to help people in need and is going to move forward against BIG BUSINESS! Now, lets take a look at these TEA Party’s,. The people that started this Campaign happens to be the owner of FORBES MAGAZINE, and the other person happens to be the past US House Leader, I do believe his name is ARNEY or ARMEY. Do you really think they give a rats butt about the minority of people in this country that can’t afford health care? NO! I don’t think they would being that they probably not only have the best health care that money could buy, but their own private Doctor’s…I just HOPE the majority of the people in this country are able to see though all of this before it’s to late.

    MOM

    13/09/2009 at 20:29

  10. Apologies I meant THREATS!!I’m just fired us about this topic..I will pray for the President of the United States of America, his family, and the people of this Country..

    MOM

    13/09/2009 at 20:32

  11. Yeah, I finally got it.

    But next time might I suggest shorter statements, indicating your views, not broadsides against the Pharm/Medical lobby cos it is hard to understand your views as they tend to get lost in the rest of things 🙂

    modernityblog

    13/09/2009 at 21:01

  12. What mod said.

    mesquito

    13/09/2009 at 22:02

  13. I was wondering did anybody watch the last video? Was this recorded recently, or during the BUSH*&T Administration?

    MOM

    13/09/2009 at 23:48

  14. […] Posted in Uncategorized by modernityblog on September 14, 2009 2:50 pm I am indebted to one of my readers, for this clip from Steven Anderson, who apparently is an independent Baptist […]


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