There are some things about state Sen. Russell Pearce, the author of Arizona's new police-state immigration law, that Greta Van Susteren and all the other Fox anchors who've had him on this past week aren't telling you.
Indeed, they let him just come on and spew misleading nonsense, as he did last night on On the Record, telling Van Susteren that the law only "takes the handcuffs off" for law enforcement officers and "allows" them to arrest suspected illegal immigrants. Actually, it requires them to.
Well, we mentioned previously that Pearce has a colorful background involving the white-supremacist far right, including dalliances -- like his close pal Sheriff Joe Arpaio -- with neo-Nazis.
Rachel Maddow discussed some of this in her segment last night, but it's worth discussing some more so that people can fully appreciate the nature of the police state just signed into law in Arizona. Byron York has proclaimed it "a very carefully crafted law" -- and he is quite correct about that. Crafted to what end, however, is quite another story.
Y'see, back in 2006, Pearce caught a lot of people's attention by forwarding to a bunch of his friends and associates an article on immigration from a neo-Nazi news source -- namely, the National Alliance, the folks who brought you The Turner Diaries. The article was about Jewish control of the media and how it supposedly creates a bias against whites and favors minorities and Israel. Pearce apologized, but never could explain why he was reading material from the National Alliance in the first place.
But then he was seen working arm in arm with this fellow:
That's a guy named J.T. Ready, who also happens to be one of Arizona's leading neo-Nazis. Here's J.T. at a neo-Nazi rally in Nebraska:
Stephen Lemons at the Phoenix New Times reported:
Ready's tight with state Representative Russell Pearce, who's bashed Mexicans ever since a Latino teen shot off his finger when he was a county sheriff's deputy. Pearce is a racist law machine, pumping out statute after statute targeting the brown segment of AZ's population. At a June anti-illegal demonstration at the state Capitol, Ready and Pearce worked the crowd arm-in-arm.
Remember when Pearce forwarded a neo-Nazi e-mail to supporters in '06? Pearce claimed a "friend" sent him the e-mail. Could that "friend" have a last name that rhymes with "Freddy"?
The blanket isn't big enough these days for all the bigoted bedfellows who want in on the nativist lovefest. In any other state, Pearce's ties to a white nationalist like Ready would make him a pariah, especially after the outrage over that neo-Nazi e-mail.
Instead, both Sheriff Joe Arpaio and County Attorney Candy Thomas recently honored Pearce at a "gala reception" and dinner to raise moolah for Pearce's committee exploring a primary challenge to Congressman Jeff Flake, a moderate Republican who's championed comprehensive immigration reform. It was $100 a plate for the dinner, $200 if you wanted a pic of yourself with Thomas, Arpaio, or radio wingnut Bruce Jacobs. Minuteman leader Chris Simcox was on the fundraiser's planning committee.
Pearce's political career has been built on an obsessive effort to demonize, scapegoat, and attack Latino immigrants. One of his more noteworthy previous efforts was an effort to eliminate Hispanic outreach programs in Arizona schools, predicated on the phony "MEChA is racist" meme. He's also proclaimed that illegal immigrants have no rights under the Constitution.
Just as noteworthy, perhaps, is this bit from his Wikipedia bio:
In 1995, Pearce became the Director of the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. Pearce was fired from that position in 1999 by then Arizona Department of Transportation Director Mary Peters after an investigation revealed that Pearce and two underlings had tampered with a Tucson woman's driving record.
This is someone who obviously has no problem with handing police officers totalitarian powers -- and no problem with a little procedural abuse along the way.
And now his vision of law enforcement is Arizona law. Lovely.
Whaaaa? now you're just making this stuff up! J/K! - wish i wasn't.
OK.
Better pull the whole rug up and start over. This one is infested.
"Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob"
-= Franklin Delano Roosevelt =-
a majority of them voted him into office. that being the case, i must (reasonably, i think) assume they share his political, philosophical and racist outlook. i hope AZ goes bankrupt defending this obviously unconstitutional legislation.
in fact, all things AZ should be boycotted, and not just in the state itself. any events involving their professional or college athletic teams, any products produced and/or distributed from there, anything AZ should be boycotted.
if they want to have their own little country, they can pay for it themselves.
that just might work for everyone concerned!
"Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob"
-= Franklin Delano Roosevelt =-
I currently live in Arizona, and doing the sort of boycott you propose would effect more then just the racists who got the state into this mess. There are tons of people, of all colors, cultures, and economic backgrounds protesting this law. Granted this won't make it go away over night, but doing what you propose will hinder the ones fighting against this absurd law much more.
This will likely be found unconstitutional, so really what we have are more conservatives wasting even more money. I am really growing to HATE conservatives.
Ya, you're right. some of the coolest people live in AZ.
They just have to get everyone to vote.
"Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob"
-= Franklin Delano Roosevelt =-
About as fair as blaming all of the US for Bush
“I think we should catch ’em, we should document ’em, make sure we know where they are and where they are going,” said Pat Bertroche, a Republican congressional primary candidate. “I actually support microchipping them. I can micro-chip my dog so I can find it. Why can’t I microchip an illegal?
http://iowaindependent.com/32926/install-micr...
First they said we'd have to give up our Freedoms, Bill of Rights, and parts of Our Constitution after we were attacked in 2001. Now the IMF and others are saying we are going to have to give up our way of life and live with more austerity in this country. They purposefully de-industrialized this country, took down our economy with wars and tax cuts, and now the laws are being slowly dismantled. We have a real fight ahead of us. All together is the only answer. And learning from history.
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
I think we should catch ’em
What? working?
talk to their employers.
"Pat Bertroche" has Stockholm Syndrome. Oh, the irony.
"Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob"
-= Franklin Delano Roosevelt =-
I agree.
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Instead of NAFTA raising the standard of living in other countries it is lowering ours to the level of third world poverty.
The people of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage." J.K. Galbraith
So you're saying the program continues to work exactly as designed, right?
Yup. That's what the critrics said in 1993, and it was absolutley dead on.
The people of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage." J.K. Galbraith
Gotta catch 'em all.
And microchip 'em!
Something like that.
Something does have to be done but I'm not sure if this is the way.
"hyuk hyuk hyuk"
Ready reminds me of a cross between a stereotypical used car dealer, a divorced dad with four kids, and a rodeo clown. How can you respect anyone who obviously doesn't respect himself?
Before enlightenment - chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment - chop wood, carry water.
Being a divorced dad with 4 children I resemble that remark....what picture are you refering to...oh and my father was a new car salesman, and I grew up going to a lot of rodeos and I am sort of a clown.....sooooooo
How can we be threatened by these folks? Every single one of them is F-A-T. They'd have an MI just trying to lift their precious babies (guns). As Rickles would say, "What do you eat for breakfast? Furniture?"
The people of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage." J.K. Galbraith
a miocardial infarction...probably have one of those f'ers in my future....for breakfast I enjoy a nicely braised ottoman,followed by a sauteed davanport!
you are right but "learning" and all "together" ? Ain't gonna happen with the Repug supporters , they are brainwashed cult members , the Repug / Right wing propaganda machine , all of the lies , the 24 / 7 disinformation campaign ... it's working real well , Joseph Goebbels would be real proud of these Fascist mobsters (and that's exactly what they are) . Given all of the gullible simpletons ( and I'm being kind here ) , racists and MSM in this country , we are screwed , we can slow it down but full blown Fascism is on it's way .I'm glad I am older and in lousy health .
Alan Grayson has it right - these are the death throws. It will be messy and there's going to be a clean up after for sure, but it won't be like this much longer now.
"Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob"
-= Franklin Delano Roosevelt =-
I know. Good point. I knew I was being overly optimistic with that language. I just mean at least the good hearted people of this country are going to need to come together and reach a critical mass or tipping point of saying.. No more lies etc.
I know myself personally have learned a lot since the advent of the internet. Just the amount of information and collaboration that is possible is astounding. We can learn from history and its going to take a certain percentage of us to rise up and guide this country back from the brink of insanity. Glad you are here with that help to guide us in that effort and lend that perspective. Peace. Thanks.
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Somewhere some lucky bastard is
having a heart attack .
Jack Nicholson , the bucket list
every time you throw a little mud , you lose a little ground .
Pearce knows fucking well that Black and White people are committing the same crimes. Innocent Latino people who have never broken the law in their lives will be victimized everyday by this bullshit racist ruling.
When the officer was asked why he arrested this particular person, his response was, "He looked at me funny so I figured he was hiding something. Damn, I'm glad they removed those handcuffs because I couldn't do that before."
Arizona is now strictly a "fly-over" and "drive-through non-stop" state. I have already heard that the Reich-wingers expect Texas to be the next state to turn similarly fascist. I'm not sure how well that would work out, since there are a large number of Hispanic native sons & daughters who might not be so receptive to (more of) a police state there, plus the largely outnumbered liberals in the Austin area. If that happens, I'll have to "drive around" Texas.
It sure must suck to be a liberal who is forced by circumstances to remain in Arizona.
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."
-- John F. Kennedy
I hear New Mexico's thinking about changing their name. Just to be safe.
and relatively easy to get to. Head West to Colorado, then make a hard Left.
-
;^)
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."
-- John F. Kennedy
Bugs Bunny-Albuquerque anyone?
"Virginia is For Gun Lovers" too. Must be hell to be in a place celebrating the war to keep people enslaved.
"I mean Romney is the most conservative on illegal immigration and I don't think Ronald Reagan could get elected in California today."
Ann "Clipped" Coulter
look at the fumble-bucks who are running the state now. And there is absolutely no excuse for Eric Cantor serving in any capacity beyond dog-catcher.
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."
-- John F. Kennedy
"Reich-wingers" ... exactly .
The correct response to "show us your papers."
http://media.kansascity.com/images/cartoons/j...
"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
I'd love to see Jonah Goldberg call one of those Nazis a "Liberal Fascist".That would be amusing and "instructive" for JG.
"To me, truth is not some vague, foggy notion. Truth is real. And,
at the same time, unreal. Fiction and fact and everything in between,
plus some things I can't remember, all rolled into one big "thing."
This is truth, to me. "
-Jack Handy
with a towel since they would be in the steam room "exercising."
"I mean Romney is the most conservative on illegal immigration and I don't think Ronald Reagan could get elected in California today."
Ann "Clipped" Coulter
at that Liberal Fascist crap, its kind of like "dry water" , that animal just don't exist
Stand by , Beck will do it . LOL
is the ultimate disrespect for the flag. Surely Almost Adm. McCain
knows that and should admonish these two gorditos.
"I mean Romney is the most conservative on illegal immigration and I don't think Ronald Reagan could get elected in California today."
Ann "Clipped" Coulter
You mean I have to throw away my "Don't Tread on Me" penis cozy?
It was a flag from the Texas Revolution (which took six weeks to fight and two semesters to teach). It has a cannon. We Texans prefer comparing our equipment to military hardware rather than reptiles like you Californians, who slithered out of Mexican control only due to the diligence of Texans.
"I mean Romney is the most conservative on illegal immigration and I don't think Ronald Reagan could get elected in California today."
Ann "Clipped" Coulter
Homer sez 'mmmmmmmmmmmmmmaugggghhhhhauggghhhhhhh'
of white supremacist groups. It is a major problem here. I mean, I know people are going to roll their eyes like I am stating the obvious (given SB#1070), but there is a lot of documented evidence that AZ is a breeding ground for reich-wing lunacy. I recall watching a guest speaker at a local jr. high named Calvin Terrell point out the prevalence of racists organizations within the state. Eerily, the students all agreed and knew people with connections to white supremacist groups (sadly, some were even close family members). It's a scary place to live. I guess the few of us good people who live here are screwed given how vindictive people are feeling toward this state. Whatever, though. If it promotes change and ushers in a better day for all people, then I'm all for it.
However, based on a lot of what I see here, I think many of you would rather wipe us off the map than really change anything. Sometimes I think the left is no better than the right. Some of you speak like it is a war of attrition, not a movement of change via love. Whatever happened to the notion that in order to really change people, you have to love them?
I'm not saying don't boycott or whatever, but some of you who say things (in other threads at least) like we should be kicked out of the union and screw Arizona and everybody in this state, well... you might call me a concern troll, but it's a terrible day when both sides are so preoccupied with getting even that there's no hope for real, sustainable change.
I'll go crawl back into my hole now before a bunch of you start calling me a racists and saying that you hope I die from some horrible cancer or something... ugh. I used to like this site, but given how bitter and angry some are, it reminds me a lot more of birther/tea-bagger rage than sane, cold liberalism.
Sorry Mr/Mrs. Persecution Complex, this isn't about your "plight".
Yeah, whatever. You're right. I just can't believe some of the vitriol and hate that is being directed toward EVERYBODY in this state, not just the bastard neocons who have been screwing up this place of natural beauty for years now. It's just taken me back a bit how willing people are to write off the entire state, and all who live in it, because the neocons have the upper hand and are racist pricks.
If you've ever traveled abroad and dealt with somebody who hated you and thought you were an asshole solely because you're an American (and they are judging you based on the actions of neocons and W.), well, then perhaps you know what I'm bitching about. Perhaps it is a "persecution complex," but it doesn't seem far to me given that I have long opposed the right-wing grip on my state and I, unlike others here, realize there are MANY good, tolerant people here who want to be included in creating a better world (not excluded because our leaders are dipshits and we're numerically so outnumbered that we can barely keep the dems we have in office, let alone unseat repubs)...
It's not plight, but I'm just surprised so many "open-minded" liberals would dismiss the state and all of its people for the actions of neocons who DO NOT represent us.
Well they just did represent you.
Take your "grievances" to a group of "Mexican dressing" Latino American citizens who live in your state...I hope that you have health insurance.
there's some "just wrath" for you. Advocating that I do something that would result in my bodily harm. What I don't get is that I support boycotting the state, I'm against SB1070, hate Arpaio fwiw, have agonized over this state's conservative leanings for over two decades, and all I'm saying is that people are way over the top when they are lumping all of us together and calling us all racists.
If I brought my complaints to the "mexican dressing" citizens you mention (not sure where you are getting that terminology), they'd probably shrug and just be glad that they had another body in the march against this nonsense. And even though I am pale and have blond hair/blue eyes, I would still feel much more welcome and safe with them than I do here.
BTW, it shows a lot about your own assumptions that you think a group of "Mexican dressing" Latino American citizens would do anything to me. If you knew anything about the latino community in this state, you would know that they are some of the most patient, understanding, and accepting people you could hope to meet (well, to be honest, they are like every other Arizonan I've met, white or black or brown or whatever, in that they are genuine and caring and good. Sure, as with any group, there are asshats and idiots (just like whites are plagued with these pesky bastards called Republicans).
But, I still would wager they wouldn't hold the fact that I am white against me like you do. They wouldn't beat he shit out of me for any reason (just look at some of the confrontations between nazi's and protesters... how restrained the protesters are). And, I'd even bet that they'd agree that calling everybody in this state racists/etc. and feeling that the hatred directed toward ALL of the people who live here is misguided. But, yeah, in your world, they'd all kick my ass... so, I'd better double check my health insurance premium is all paid up, because in the "black and white" world of extremists, it doesn't matter if you don't fit the mold... they'll shove you right into it somehow anyway...
Latino Americans will be the true victims in this matter.
joking about racial violence is a real hoot... especially when you're suggesting it happens to somebody who is actually opposed to the same thing you are opposed to. Ha ha ... ha?
Oh, and yes, the Latino community will be the real victims here. I know my outrage is overdone and worthless, but damnit, I have lived here so long and dealt with these ignorant bigots that I cannot abide people implying that we are all like this.
You know, I can't remember for certain, but I think a majority of Americans supported Operation Iraqi Freedom too. Does that make all American war criminal bastards, or just the political beasts who have hijacked the system for their own twisted gains?
If somebody started saying this whole country is nothing more than war criminals and racists, if I said "hey, but I don't support that illegal war!" would it make their comments any more justifiable if they cited a poll that showed the majority of Americans supported the war?
My point is that regardless what the majority believe, regardless what the dipshit legislator does, SOME of us are still decent human beings (well, not me, really... but I try) and would prefer not being pigeon-holed because we happen to live somewhere where the majority of people are insane...
Rasmussen poll sez 70% of AZians agree with it.
rasmussen numbers are always to discounted by at least 6%, but sheesh, even if they're off by 10% I'm not sure why you're whining about us not wanting to visit, or let our children visit, a state that would do something like this.
And yes, we'll tell our neighbors, we'll put it on our blogs, we'll announce to the world that this is not America.
I am not whining about you boycotting the state. I SUPPORT that. I was bitching about people saying outlandish things, like all the people here are racists.
Yes, the poll you cite shows that a huge majority are racist bigots and bastards to boot. But, NOT EVERYONE is. That's my only freaking point!!!
Boycott to your heart's content. We don't have an economy to hurt anyway, but have at it anyway and I salute you and your efforst.
However, do not trash everybody in this state. The very poll you cite states 23% oppose the bill. While that's hardly something to be proud about, I count myself very proud that I am among the one in five who is not racist and who sees this bill for what it really is.
What's more, because I am proud of that fact, because I feel like I am in the lion's den while some of you are in freaking liberal utopias compared to this place, I DO NOT APPRECIATE BEING LUMPED IN WITH THE OTHER 4/5 racists who agree with SB1070.
That is what I am complaining about, NOT THE BOYCOTT, do you get it now?
I applaud you for your convictions , and yes count yourself proud to be that 1 in 5....I for one on this blog have yet to decry all Arizonans, I hate painting people with a wide brush cuz you always get paint on some who don't deserve it.
time! I am of Mexican descent, and I know now that I won't be able to visit my living relatives or my great-grandparents' graves in AZ without the threat of possible arrest hanging over me. That is no light fucking matter to me, and you'll excuse me that I don't have much sympathy for Arizonans when nearly 3/4 of them support this racist law.
I've never seen change without a fire
RACIST! TEA-BAGGER!
It must suck to be a liberal stuck by circumstances to remain in Arizona.
But you cannot expect anyone from elsewhere in the country to "aid and abet" the current obviously fascistic government of Arizona by voluntarily spending their money there. I wouldn't dare drive through Arizona with an "Obama/Biden" bumper-sticker, let alone actually vacation there. And I am Caucasian -- imagine the expectations of anyone less than "lilly-white" that might choose to vacation there. Sorry, but I have very limited sympathy for Arizonians, considering the circumstances.
That said, I am from Virginia, but for only a little while longer. I'm going to "vote with my feet" and get the flock out of here. I am done with the creeping fascism ...
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."
-- John F. Kennedy
But they could refrain from calling everybody here racists, or saying we can all get fucked, or wishing we were kicked out of the union. That goes way beyond refusing to "aid and abet"...
But I wouldn't mind seeing all these Reich-winger Arizonans rounded up for a little bit of Sheriff Arapio "tent-city" koom-by-yah time, including the "big man" himself.
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."
-- John F. Kennedy
because of my irresponsibility (and my state's harsh DUI laws), I can tell you that the experience leaves one appreciative of what "freedom" really means. It was humbling to be at the mercy of apathetic and menacing corrections officers, to feel less than a number, to be forgotten and viewed as worthless because you are a "criminal."
I think it would open Sheriff Joe's eyes to spend on night as an inmate in his Tent City (starting with processing at Lower Buckeye like I did). Actually, with a twisted bastard like him, he'd probably just use the experience to think up new, even more medieval forms of punishment for his prisoners...
I have already read (and seen in a documentary) far more than I ever would wish anyone to experience Sheriff Joe's "Tent City". But considering this current crop of Reich-wingers in your state, I am willing to make some exceptions.
I am glad that you only spent 24 hours there, and that you apparently survived the experience okay.
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."
-- John F. Kennedy
...of it's citizens mainly because EMPLOYERS all over America are addicted to cheap labor that they can illegally exploit. Unless you are in agreement with the racists there is no reason to be "appalled" because of the just wrath Arizona is receiving.
is unjustly rendered upon those who have no control or say over what is happening. I disagree with my state, I support a boycott, and I pray that this travesty of a bill is ruled unconstitutional (or the people overturn it via a protest referendum). However, none of those things require that I hate everybody in this state, or believe all the people here are racists, or call everybody here fascists or nazi's. Because, honestly, we are not. There are many good, progressive, open-minded people here who are marching right along side the latino community against this law. Those who want to label all Arizonans "racists" are not practicing "just wrath," but rather vindictive pettiness...
...I deserved it.
"sometimes"...
What about those times he spanked you and you had done no wrong? Explain to me why that was right. Explain to me why it was "just wrath" to strike a child who had done no wrong.
If your reason is that he didn't know any better, I'll give you that. The problem is, many here DO know that there are many liberals and tolerant people who live in Arizona. Yet, they choose to bust out the paddle anyway.
My actual point is that right and wrong is a moral question not a majority decision.
I was the one who said Arizona should be kicked out of the union. I was being facetious and ironic, making the next point that we could then put a wall around it to keep Arizonans out of the U.S. I wasn't serious. I was trying to demonstrate how awful the policy is by positing a similar policy imposed by the U.S. on Arizona.
But point taken about the rhetoric. It's easy to be misinterpreted, and we should strive for clarity to avoid sweeping generalizations.
I'm not sure that's ever been a genuine tenet of "the left." I'm not really sure what "the left" is anyway.
Personally, I'd rather not throw around words like "love" when talking about people I don't know. It's disingenuous and silly.
The point is that what is happening in Arizona is deadly serious. I very much appreciate those who argue that any boycotts should be aimed solely at those companies or individual businesspeople who explicitly supported and enabled this law to pass. I know the idea is not to hurt the innocent in the process, and the argument does give me pause.
I'm not sure it's really thought through, though. Are not innocents going to be hurt by any boycott? To boycott the Arizona Diamondbacks would not only hurt the team's owners. What about the players? What about other employees who have no idea what the higher-ups are doing? Won't their salaries and jobs be affected if a boycott is successful? Don't corporations here have a standard policy of passing losses onto their consumers and their employees? And what about the economy of Arizona in general? Wouldn't it be hurt if the Diamondbacks were hurt? Help for the economy is partly why governments support sports teams.
As for targeting only culpable companies, what about all of their customers and lower-level who are caught in the crossfires? What did they ever do?
And finally, the reason to incorporate in Arizona would be that someone made a determination that Arizona's laws are the most beneficial to the corporation. Should they be let off the hook if they remain in the state?
If a boycott is simply designed to punish companies who advanced this monstrosity of a law, sure, go ahead and boycott only those companies. But don't pretend that there's no collateral damage from your actions.
If a boycott is designed to effect a change in the law through economics, it might behoove us to try to get any company who enables the state of Arizona or who profits from incorporation there, to move its headquarters.
Thoughts?
Everyone is equally entitled to the pursuit of happiness. Wasn't that once self evident?
for misreading your post. Time to remove my foot from my mouth (that is what I get from flying through the comments and not really paying attention for any irony beneath the obvious).
I really appreciate those who have discussed the full ramifications of a boycott. To be honest, I don't mind the unintended economic consequences because, harsh though it sounds, our economy here is so wrecked and the state budget such a mess that I don't think it will make that much of a difference, tbh.... after all, "when you ain't got nothin' / you got nothin' to lose" -BD
And, your point about this being deadly serious is well taken. I think some people, innocent and in need though they are, can stand to lose their jobs if it means in the long run, we keep our civil rights and freedom. To me, civil rights are priceless, a job is necessary, but you can get by without it (but where are you without rights? Royally screwed...)
The love thing... I can't remember who it was... either Gandhi, MLK Jr., or Mandela. One of their better quotes, though obviously not memorable enough for me, was that to really change the enemy from hatred is not with violence but love. And, I get your point about using that word with strangers, but I think most of us can understand that "love" in a platonic sense is just accepting the humanity and dignity of each other and finding the good when possible.
Granted, with some nutcase racists, I can see how it is difficult to "love" them and accept their human dignity and all of that jazz when they don't afford the same for others... but, I'm a very "Yin/Yang" type of person... even in the heart of evil there rests a kernel of good. I honestly believe that, and I feel that our best chance to break this law and the neocon strangle-hold over this entire country is not by anger or strife, but by finding away to cause that kernel of good within these nutjobs to emerge. In the same fashion, we must be careful that the seed of "evil" within us... the aspect of us that makes us dogmatic and see dichotomies of "right and wrong"/"black and white" when only gray exists is dangerous.
The left is "tolerant," until people are intolerant. And then all hell breaks loose. I guess I was just expressing my dismay that I was seeing a lot of that uncontrollable anger boil to the surface in people who are otherwise peace-loving and willing to help their foes see a better way (in normal circumstances)
No worries on misinterpreting me. I suppose a smiley or winky emoticon might have helped, but it's very easy to misinterpret the written word. I do it all the time.
As Tom Lehrer joked, "I know there are people who do not love their fellow man, and I hate people like that."
Yes, we all operate in some strange cognitive dissonance at some point in our lives. And we all have the capacity to hate, even if we don't like to admit it.
I largely agree with your points that we should not ascribe pure, inhuman evil to our enemies, political or otherwise. We're all human beings. Even the worst of us.
Everyone is equally entitled to the pursuit of happiness. Wasn't that once self evident?
Speak for yourself. I'm an alien... illegal, maybe. Out of this world, definitely ;)
P.S. ...
From MLK Jr.'s speech "Loving Your Enemies":
“Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. That’s why Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” Because if you hate your enemies, you have no way to redeem and to transform your enemies. But if you love your enemies, you will discover that at the very root of love is the power of redemption. You just keep loving people and keep loving them, even though they’re mistreating you. Here’s the person who is a neighbor, and this person is doing something wrong to you and all of that. Just keep being friendly to that person. Keep loving them. Don’t do anything to embarrass them. Just keep loving them, and they can’t stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways in the beginning. They react with bitterness because they’re mad because you love them like that. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they’ll hate you a little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power of your love they will break down under the load. That’s love, you see. It is redemptive, and this is why Jesus says love. There’s something about love that builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive. So love your enemies.”
“So this morning, as I look into your eyes, and into the eyes of all of my brothers in Alabama and all over America and over the world, I say to you, “I love you. I would rather die than hate you.” And I’m foolish enough to believe that through the power of this love somewhere, men of the most recalcitrant bent will be transformed. And then we will be in God’s kingdom. We will be able to matriculate into the university of eternal life because we had the power to love our enemies, to bless those persons that cursed us, to even decide to be good to those persons who hated us, and we even prayed for those persons who despitefully used us.”
"A true revolutionary is motivated by love."
Che
The people of privilege will always risk their complete destruction rather than surrender any material part of their advantage." J.K. Galbraith
eom
Not since the tenure of Evan Meacham as State Goobenor has AZ looked like heaven for white supremacist BBQ fanatics.
Repeat after me:
"documentos, por favor."
but I really think the overlooked aspect of this law is the provision that allows law enforcement agencies to be sued for not enforcing immigration provisions of federal law. The link you provided to the York article brought this home.
The aim of the law is to force other Arizona law enforcement agencies to become like the Maricopa Sheriff's department. The arrest of the truck driver last Wednesday, which has been the subject of three posts here at C&L, indicates the harrasasment envisioned by this law can and does occur without the law. Most law enforcement agencies do not want to engage in this kind of activity. The purpose of this bill is to make them do so.
"I mean Romney is the most conservative on illegal immigration and I don't think Ronald Reagan could get elected in California today."
Ann "Clipped" Coulter
Yikes, if that's in there, all of the previous discussion about standing are moot. State lawsuits may indeed be filed. Sheesh.
Everyone is equally entitled to the pursuit of happiness. Wasn't that once self evident?
You guys missed the most obvious NAZI connection: You can't spell ARIZONA without N-A-Z-I.
If that doesn't confirm all of our fears, what does?
That might actually make sense to us. :)
Everyone is equally entitled to the pursuit of happiness. Wasn't that once self evident?
Do you guys dream in Nazi? I imagine all sorts of flying swastikas and stomping boots, Bush with a Hitler-moustache, and you wake up in a cold sweat.
Saving the world is hard work I bet.
... your dreams with our awareness.
IRT 'saving the world' ... WWII comes to mind.
who say our efforts should be more precise. A state-wide boycott seems like such a blunt weapon. I'd like to see a more targeted approach that channels the pain towards those who enable and fund these extreme right wing politicians. A list of the biggest donors to the AZ GOP might be a good starting point..
Sometimes just letting folks like this have the floor should be enough to discredit them.
Pearce on police authority under the new law @ 2:54:
Well, that's interesting. Then what, pray tell, is the point?
Pearce explains @ 2:10
I see. No new authority except the new authority.
And do tell us, Pearce, what problems are illegal immigrants causing that warrants the need for a law that gives officers no new authorities, but removes their handcuffs? The answer @ 1:21
So, let's be clear. Because of the presence of illegal immigrants, Arizona has turned into a war-torn hell hole where people are afraid to leave their homes, so we must mirror the federal law by removing the handcuffs imposed by federal laws on officers who will now have no new authority to do anything about it.
That makes sense.
Everyone is equally entitled to the pursuit of happiness. Wasn't that once self evident?
Jonah Goldberg wrote a nutty book called while back called 'Liberal Fascism', the thesis of which was swallowed whole and enthusiastically promoted by Fox News, Beck, Rush, Coulter and the rest of the nutters: Fascists weren't extreme Right-wingers, but actually extreme, socialist Liberals.
A total lie, but never mind. The Tea Partiers believe it, so who cares if it's true or not?
And now we see Russell Pearce hangin' with the Nazis - doesn't that make him and his bigoted pals LIBERAL FASCISTS??
Just asking.
they're called "patriots."
I don't blame you for not knowing the nomenclature. It's a magical kind of semantics that they use in the real AmuriKKKa. ;P
. . . Can't progressives be patriots too?
Like Teddy Roosevelt?
I know, stupid question.
I was speaking neocon. In neocon, it all depends on whose side you're on. If you're one of them, it doesn't matter if your fascist, racist, bigoted, etc. ... you're always a "good patriot." But, if you are not with the neocons, be you activist, humanitarian, organizer or working man/woman -- it all boils down to "Un-American" or "communist".
Progressive are real "patriots," but the meaning of the word there is more in line with the founders, unlike the reich-wing... who worships at the altar of die fuhrer =D
I'm wondering who Arizonans expect to be picking their crops.
McGramps once offered unemployed Caucasians $50.00/hr to pick lettuce in Arizona. Of course, that was disingenuous, because he then said "You couldn't handle the work." I wrote him that I was willing to try any work that paid $50.00/hr, but he never responded back -- f'ing a$$hat.
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."
-- John F. Kennedy
Arizona has crops?[/snark]
BTW D762, white folks were in the audience going 'shit, I'm out of a job, I'd pick crops for $50/hr in a heartbeat.'
And there we have an incredible example of racism that's been carried thru from slavery, (if not forever.)
The 'only ni***** are able to pick cotton' BS completely ignored the fact that if you were a sharecropper you and your family were harvesting the bolls every day that you could.
Only Irish, or Italians, or Chinese are able to do [insert work here] this job because they are inferior.
If you pay people enough, and they don't have enough money to feed their family, they will do any job.
Ladies and gentlemen, we can argue about this, thru this wonderful medium, because of unions.
BTW, the majority of AZians (and some commenters) claim they had to enact this law due to 'illegals' crimes. Got stats?
I was unemployed long enough for my meager UI to run out -- 2000+ resumes sent out, 2 job interviews, and ZERO jobs in that time frame, so when Senator John McCain showed up at a "Town Hall" meeting, I showed up.
One minute he was talking about picking lettuce in his state for $50.00/hr, and the next minute he was saying "You couldn't do the work." This was during his whirlwind tour trying to convince all us unemployed that we needed to support his amnesty program. He didn't win over much of the crowd, as I recall.
Your conclusion about it being overt racism rings true, and applies to the man who actually said it first -- John McCain. Me, I'm only the messenger in this regard. So the current ruckus there in Arizona must be giving his campaign a headache -- not everyone there has as short a memory as McGramps.
As far as demographics regarding criminal activity in Arizona, I frankly don't have a clue -- I don't live there. One thing I am certain of is that whatever these Reich-wingers quote as "illegals" crime statistics is of most dubious accuracy.
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."
-- John F. Kennedy
Sorry, I should have made it clear that my comment wasn't aimed at you, but my foot got stuck in the stirrup of my high horse.
because the brown shirts in Germany were never that fat.....
Hmmm...
Looks nothing like:
http://www.ssrelics.net/PROPAGANDA%20ASSETS/s...
Diabolus est Deus Inversus
Calling these neanderthals who you refer to as "far right" as legitimately within the political spectrum of left/right is wrong. They are NOT far right of anything, they are mentally deranged individuals full of hatred for anyone different from their narrow views, or skin color. We have a black president, it's time to stop referring to white racists as the legitimate right, they never will be again.
Is it the 21st century yet?
Come on, don't pull that "guilty by association" crap with his Nazi friend. That's the kind of crap Glenn Beck uses! C&L, you're better than that.
. . Glenn Beck's slateboard and chalk would be on fire!!!
One thing I noticed about all those guys is they are fat as hell. I think they joined the neo nazis because the army said they were fat fucks. Maybe we should get them to attack they would die from the az heat and the chaffing alone may cause some of those fat assholes to combust.
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