In the spirit of Joe McCarthy

In the spirit of Joe McCarthy

EDITOR:

Whether they be called tea baggers, birthers, or deathers, it is not hard to see that the spirit of Joe McCarthy, red-baiter extraordinaire, is still among us. Like those who succeeded him, McCarthy capitalized on a climate of fear and confusion to further his own ambitions. In the process, numerous people found their careers destroyed and any who voiced alarm at this lynch-mob mentality was branded a Communist/Socialist sympathizer. Does any of this sound familiar?

Whenever I hear a right winger complaint that any criticism of these “protesters” or those who exploit their anger for financial gain is a violation of free speech, I must point out one important fact: the Constitution protects you from the government, it does not protect from criticism by other citizens. Those of us who are appalled at the level of racial animosity in this climate have just as much of a right to speak out as those who revel in it. As someone who opposed the war in Iraq, I put up with a lot of criticism from those on the right. I’m old enough to know that words have consequences, and I took that criticism like an adult. The same should hold true for those on the right. If they wish to egg on racial hatred, so be it, but they best be prepared to accept the consequences of their words and actions.

Lastly, in response to the letter writer on Sept. 18 who bristled at the caricature of tea baggers as racist and uneducated, all I have to say is that we are judged by the company we keep. If you choose to stand alongside people who shout slogans of racial hatred or carry placards displaying such, do not be surprised to see yourself lumped in with them. Furthermore, very few have argued that voicing disagreement with the president’s policies is un-American. What is un-American is spreading lies, bigotry, and intolerance without regard to the consequences. A real patriot does not compare their president to Hitler, a witch doctor, or any other offensive stereotype. A real patriot doesn’t shout down those who disagree with them or lynch people in effigy. A real patriot doesn’t bring firearms to a political rally. Tea baggers are a lot of things, but they are definitely not patriotic.

LUKE TOCHTENHAGEN

McDonald