The Republican Party has become a party of hate. Rather than appealing to its followers’ desires for a stable economy, a better education system or similarly productive issues, Republican politicians are wasting time and money on catering to voters’ irrational feelings of hate and fear for people who are different. This tactic not only forces others to side with the conservatives or risk seeming un-American to brainwashed and unhappy voters, but is also a catastrophic waste of resources.
Politicians, the media, and the American people have wasted a truly ridiculous amount of time and money on issues like the proposed mosque near Ground Zero and insane ideas to repeal the 14th Amendment. Both the issues boil down to the average American’s basic prejudice against anyone who is not white, Christian, and a native English speaker. By catering to the basic feelings of hate and fear these individuals bring out, Republicans distract voters from more important issues.
For example, take South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham. Sen. Graham, who in recent months has made numerous deals with Senate Democrats, has decided to increase his popularity with voters by picking on an easy target for their hate: illegal immigrants. Senator Graham did not even bother choosing an issue he had a chance of affecting. Instead, he has started a campaign to repeal the 14th Amendment and prevent babies born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally from being automatic citizens. To change the Constitution and do that would require the support of three-quarters of all states and two-thirds of the House and Senate.
This movement will never gain the support it needs for the repeal to become a reality. The Republicans who spread the idea know this. However, by playing on voters’ prejudice, hate, and fear of an immigrant population willing to work for less in a time of economic crisis, Republican politicians manage to gain popular support without actually doing their jobs and passing productive and necessary legislation.
The futile attack on the 14th Amendment is far from the only example of the Republican strategy of gaining votes by taking a strong view on an issue they have no hope of actually affecting. The nearly constant attacks on a private developer’s plans to build a Muslim community center and mosque near Ground Zero are an example of this.
For whatever reason, a group composed mostly of Republicans, but which also includes a handful of vote-hungry Democrats, has decided to throw out their knowledge of the First Amendment and attempt to prevent a mosque from being built. The First Amendment specifically states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
Since the only reason these individuals are against the building of the mosque is because it is a center of Islam, and the same religion (in name, not in beliefs or even basic principles) as the radicals who performed the 9/11 terrorist attacks, their entire argument is futile. If the same section of land were made into a supermarket, a Catholic Church, or even an Afghani restaurant, it would hardly have been a national issue used to make or break political careers. Once again, it is an issue that plays off voters’ fear and prejudice but one that Republican politicians will never actually be able to do anything about.
It is time for the Republican party to grow up and stop using the least common denominator — hate — as a tool to win votes. America is at war, deeply in debt, and stuck in the worst economic disaster of the past 70 years. Now is not the time for any politician to waste rhetoric and brainpower on inconsequential issues he cannot affect for no reason besides his own self-centered desire to be re-elected.
Casey Goodwin is a Mechanical Engineering sophomore and may be reached at [email protected]
I appreciate the bi-partisanship but the slant is way too heavy on the left in my opinion (as is the rest of the rubbish the AP spews these days.) Totally misguided and just as ignorant at the people you're attacking. Looks like the pot is calling the kettle black.
The political engine's cycle depends entirely, as an unfortunate matter of fact, on fuels in the form of emotions linked to hate, ignorance, and greed. In this regard there exists not the slightest difference between Republicans and Democrats. With polls released on a daily basis indicating a significant portion of our national, or even global, population is entirely incapable of critical thinking the use of persuasive elements taking advantage of that flaw is of no surprise. The same elements have put every administration of my lifetime in power and will likely continue to do so.
This article itself seems rather venomous. It is not a matter of "hate." It is a matter of worldview. To be conservative, or one oriented to the right of center, a person is promoting personal responsibility, autonomy, independence and consideration of the greater good. Wrapped up in each of these traits are all the "issues" that separate the right from the left. The opposition to the mosque is not directed at the Islamic faith, but at the sensibilities and sensitivities of placing a monument to the memory of the individuals who performed the attacks on 9/11. They are were anti-capitalists and were cutting off the head of the snake. To many people the perverted view of Islam that the 9/11 terrorist's held is what the Mosque would be celebrating. If the Muslims who are behind the building of the mosque near this site were reaching out with the intent of healing a wound….they would be building a center to recognize the benefits of capitalism. ..not Islam.
Wow, I am surprised by this article. Another slanted writing that uses bias and mistruth to make a moot point. The NY mosque issue is at forefront not only because it is an obvious slap in the face to the victims and their families, but because of funding issues and the actions of the center's Imam. His irresponsible choice of words 2 days after the 9/11 bombings, and calling for Shariah Law to be imposed in America is questionable.
Senator Graham is getting involved in the Immigration battle because the state run health program was damaged by claims from illegals. Also, South Carolina is suffering an influx of immigrants that are also bankrupting the educational system.
I wish for once people could study up on the issues before they write this drivel down. The unfounded opinions expressed in the entire section are dangerous. When will you realize that your writings may affect the weak minded? Where are your facts? Republicans spreading fear? Democrats brainwashed an entire race of people just for votes! Racism was used to get a complete idiot elected as president. The African American community, my community, suffers greatly because of the lies spread by people like you. Republicans don't hate anybody. We want people to do for themselves and not be a burden to society. But Dems have sunk into the ideology that you can just get by and not work hard and the Gov will take care of you by being a wanna be Robin Hood.
I'm also finishing my Engineering degree Cassey. I have a wife, 2 kids, and a great job at a local Energy Company. I worked to get where I am. Why does 38% of my salary go to other people? I served my country for 6 years in the Army, why do I pay for illegals to live here? I provide my kids all they need to grow, why am I paying for wellfare and crack babies? I paid off my house, why am I paying other people's mortgage?
These are the reasons why people are angry. Not hate. I would suggest you and your editor grow up, travel the world, live without mommy and daddy's money, try to make it on your own then have someone reach into your pockets and steal from you.
SO awesome
I bet most of you can't wait until Casey's gone. A person who basically doesn't like her university, writes way too radically. I mean come on now; Do you really think the Republican party HATES illegals? You buy into the politicial mumbo jumbo and hogwash way too easily.
If you were smart enough, you would know that both Democrats and Republicans love them. Democrats love their brainwashed voters and Republicans love their cheap labor.
And if that's not enough, you basically claim that America is a nation of racism…..after electing a black president……just fantastic. What the hell is going on at the Daily Cougar?