-V-
07/18/04, 03:09 am
I realized how ugly things can get is when I saw the GOP orchestrated mob storm the recount office in Florida during election 2000. Two years later, the 9/11 tragedy became every conservative's "weapon of mass intimidation". Any citizen, politician, journalist, or Dixie Chick who didn't wave the flag or kiss George Bush's illegitimate ass was called "treasonous" or worse -- "FRENCH!"
War protestors are "not supporting our troops". Dissenters are "whiners". Object as they widen the gap between the rich and poor and you're guilty of "class warfare". Speak up against a discriminatory remark and you're being "politically correct". Self respecting Democrats have even been intimidated into abandoning the "L" word (lib***l) all together!
Intimidation Alerts will be added to the POL On Patrol section of ProgressivesOnline periodically, however, the GOP's most devious plans (e.g. Gay marriage, Pledge of Allegiance, Terri Schiavo, etc..) are intended to be loud enough to drown out the real news and draw attention way from real priorities (e.g. jobs, health care, education, etc.) so you won't need to hear them here first.
In June, when Nightline aired its tribute to America's fallen soldiers, Ted Koppel had to spend a third of the show explaining and defending the broadcast, which was not aired in certain parts of the country because of the objections of "Patriotic Americans". Earlier, a photojournalist was fired for taking a photo of a returning casket. Since when is it unpatriotic to honor our dead and patriotic to suppress the truth?
In July, Whoopi Goldberg was fired by SlimFast after conservatives launched a letter writing campaign objecting to her crude Bush jokes. Individuals punishing people or companies with their buying power is one thing, but a coordinated effort to fire a comedian because of her humor is a slippery slope. Earlier this year, Trent Lott passed a racist remark and he is still on the taxpayer's payroll. Unlike Trent, Whoopi didn't insult Bush's race. She's pissed off about his job performance!
Linda Rondstadt was fired and kicked out of the Aladdin casino after guests got unruly about her dedicating her "Desperado" song to Michael Moore. It appears that only country singers like Lee Greenwood can make political statements without repercussions.
For election '04 the Bush campaign solicited churches to organize Bush fund raisers and minister Jerry Falwell ran an email campaign telling his followers that "voting for principle this year means voting for the re-election of George W. Bush". Falwell was fined $50,000 once before for ignoring the seperation of church and state. It appears they are willing to except the fines once again as a small price to pay in order to enlist God to march on the campaign trail for the Republican party. I'm waiting for Bush to say "You're either with God or your against him".
A few days later Arnold Schwarzenegger fulfilled his Republican calling to call the Democrats "girly-men". Conservatives managed to invoke the fear of the Creator and the Terminator in one week.
War protestors are "not supporting our troops". Dissenters are "whiners". Object as they widen the gap between the rich and poor and you're guilty of "class warfare". Speak up against a discriminatory remark and you're being "politically correct". Self respecting Democrats have even been intimidated into abandoning the "L" word (lib***l) all together!
Intimidation Alerts will be added to the POL On Patrol section of ProgressivesOnline periodically, however, the GOP's most devious plans (e.g. Gay marriage, Pledge of Allegiance, Terri Schiavo, etc..) are intended to be loud enough to drown out the real news and draw attention way from real priorities (e.g. jobs, health care, education, etc.) so you won't need to hear them here first.
In June, when Nightline aired its tribute to America's fallen soldiers, Ted Koppel had to spend a third of the show explaining and defending the broadcast, which was not aired in certain parts of the country because of the objections of "Patriotic Americans". Earlier, a photojournalist was fired for taking a photo of a returning casket. Since when is it unpatriotic to honor our dead and patriotic to suppress the truth?
In July, Whoopi Goldberg was fired by SlimFast after conservatives launched a letter writing campaign objecting to her crude Bush jokes. Individuals punishing people or companies with their buying power is one thing, but a coordinated effort to fire a comedian because of her humor is a slippery slope. Earlier this year, Trent Lott passed a racist remark and he is still on the taxpayer's payroll. Unlike Trent, Whoopi didn't insult Bush's race. She's pissed off about his job performance!
Linda Rondstadt was fired and kicked out of the Aladdin casino after guests got unruly about her dedicating her "Desperado" song to Michael Moore. It appears that only country singers like Lee Greenwood can make political statements without repercussions.
For election '04 the Bush campaign solicited churches to organize Bush fund raisers and minister Jerry Falwell ran an email campaign telling his followers that "voting for principle this year means voting for the re-election of George W. Bush". Falwell was fined $50,000 once before for ignoring the seperation of church and state. It appears they are willing to except the fines once again as a small price to pay in order to enlist God to march on the campaign trail for the Republican party. I'm waiting for Bush to say "You're either with God or your against him".
A few days later Arnold Schwarzenegger fulfilled his Republican calling to call the Democrats "girly-men". Conservatives managed to invoke the fear of the Creator and the Terminator in one week.