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The Dark Side of American Politics

Today, some politicians are reviving regionalism and separatism, playing on our differences

There exists a dark side to American politics, a side we are not comfortable with, a side that can only survive by feeding on our anger, hatred and prejudices. When times are good and our resolve as a nation is not being tested the dark side is pushed back into the shadows, but at those times when America is challenged and struggling the dark side seizes the opportunity to turn Americans against each other.

Our past provides a case history of what can happen when we allow our darker side to overshadow the good in us. The Civil War if nothing more serves as a warning of the destruction that results when we begin to see ourselves as Southerners and Northerners and not fellow Americans. Yet today, some politicians are reviving regionalism and separatism, playing on our differences, not just the north verses south, but religious differences, city verses country, and liberal verses conservative, making us believe that we are more different than we are the same.

No political group or party has the right to maintain its base of support by fostering conflict between different cultural and religious groups within our nation. Generating political support by emphasizing our differences is a dangerous path and not just American history but rather world history is testament to that fact.

The political pendulum in America swings back and forth, at times liberal and progressive and at other times more conservative and cautious, but if you don’t like where the pendulum is at the moment, wait — it swings both ways. But in 2008, too many people on the conservative side over-reacted and turned to the darker side and only focused on our differences as a people and not our commonalities as a nation. It’s possible that the conservative Republicans were overwhelmed by the national euphoria that was generated by the election of the first African-American President. Conservatives might have felt that the “old order” was upset by this election and they wanted to take back a time that was now in the past.

My only hope is that the election of 2012, one way or another, marks the end of a political era that focuses on our cultural and religious differences as a nation. Elections should be about politics, not the way we choose to live our private lives or exercise our religious freedom.

Ken G March 20, 2012 at 08:06 pm
Steve has a point regarding Sharia's law. However do not assume that EVERY Muslim family follows that law (not saying that you do). To be a bigot to me, you have to be strictly against the freedoms of another individual based on orientation, gender, nationality, etc. Unfortunately there bigots who are joining the Republican Party's side, and supporting them to make bigot laws, Yes, there are Extreme Right Wing Democrats, yes right wing. When I say that, I speak of Fred Phelps' (founder of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church) daughter running several years ago for senator i believe. She ran on the democratic ticket and her campaign motto when along the lines of extreme hatred. To refuse to acknowledge there are extreme right wing members of congress in the Republican party is absurd.
Ken G March 20, 2012 at 08:26 pm
However, it does not give the right to bring us back into the 1950s
Mattie March 20, 2012 at 10:47 pm
The whole Sharia Law intrusion is nothing more than a "boogieman" for the conservative right. I have researched it, and read up on it when it first got bantered about a while back and again more recently. I find it childishly... coincidental and transparent .... how we have so many right wing politicians trying to Christianize our government and laws and take away civil rights and individual freedoms based on their "Christian law" -- and then running around like Chicken Little screaming "Sharia Law is coming! Sharia law is coming!"
Here's an idea; to avoid Sharia law taking over... just stick to the constitution, stick to our forefather's implied separation of church and state, and ban ALL religions from polluting our laws and civil rights with their bigotry and hysteria, and by golly, Sharia won't stand a chance either.
Steve March 20, 2012 at 11:39 pm
Mattie, I see you answered the way I suspected in my original post that Ken G commented on. You won't realize what is happening until it is too late.
You say just stick to the constitution like there is no one interpreting it in different ways or flat out pushing for it to be changed to work in the "modern era". In fact, you even say we should just stick to the "implied" separation of church and state. If you are implying someone else will imply the other way. So don't be so quick to jump to your conclusions about hysteria. I am not denying that there are extremists on the right but what I see in my liberal friends and what I read in your comments is that liberals are too educated and open minded to be extreme and that is the problem as I see it.
Mattie March 21, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Steve, apparently you insist on seeing the glass half empty, and reacting in fear of thirst... I prefer to see the glass half full, and not stress about being thirsty until someone else reaches for that glass.
I can see people looking at the glass, talking about the glass, even licking their lips over my glass. But until someone actually touches it, and tries to take it from me, I'll just stay alert and cautious without over-reacting. Thanks for the discussion. Peace.
Mattie March 21, 2012 at 05:13 pm
Oh I don't know Sean.... since we don't allow the "assassination" of evil people like Hitler, sometimes war is the only other option for stopping millions (Jews or otherwise) from being systematically slaughtered. But I understand what you're saying... too bad the world isn't so simple and black and white.
Matthias J. Schröder March 22, 2012 at 12:42 am
To refuse to acknowledge there are extreme left wing members of congress in the democratic party is absurd.
Matthias J. Schröder March 22, 2012 at 12:44 am
We don't allow the "assassination" of evil people? Hmmm, and I guess Bin Laden died of a blocked colon?
Matthias J. Schröder March 22, 2012 at 12:48 am
When we allow honor killings and the mutilation of female babies' genitals in the name of Allah, then Sharia law cant be too far behind.
BN March 22, 2012 at 06:12 pm
Since were on the topic of Occupy Wall Street protesters and how they are "Real Americans" and "civil"....http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/03/21/nypd-says-ows-dumped-feces-urine-in-atm-vestibule-and-down-stairs/
Ken G March 23, 2012 at 07:39 pm
What does everyone think of these comments? http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/03/20/trayvon-martin-a-little-thug-ghetto-monkey-fox-news-readers-set-new-high-water-mark-for-racism/
Ken G March 28, 2012 at 08:44 pm
or these? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PFd_-4F2vY
Steve March 28, 2012 at 09:36 pm
Ken G, you have opened my eyes. I instantly broke into singing Amazing Grace and I am going to switch parties right away....
TP March 29, 2012 at 12:27 am
Who is extreme in the Republican Congress? What is it that classifies them as extreme? Specifically?
Project Bluebeam March 29, 2012 at 12:30 am
Kenny, you DO know that they guy who shot Trayvon Martin was a registered democrat, right?
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/320318/20120327/george-zimmerman-trayvon-martin-democrat-hispanic-shooting.htm That makes the biased liberal media 0 for 2. First they tried to pin the Gabby Giffords shooting on the Tea party, then they tried to pin Trayvon's murder on "right wing extremists".
Project Bluebeam March 29, 2012 at 12:32 am
Careful with the baiting Kenny. The Patch will take away your junior explorer's badge!
Project Bluebeam March 29, 2012 at 12:35 am
What do you think of Spike Lee tweeting the wrong address of an elderly couple (thinking it was Zimmerman's) and urging his followers to "REACH OUT & TOUCH HIM."? They are staying in a hotel now because of the death threats.
Ken G March 29, 2012 at 12:43 am
"Kenny, you DO know that they guy who shot Trayvon Martin was a registered democrat, right?"
Your point? I'm not playing political games with that (unlike what you're trying to turn it into) I've never heard a single mention of Zimmerman being referred to as a Republican, in fact I applaud the Republicans who came out and said they would try to change the Florida law. The comments I posted, ARE from Right Wing Extremists. And bluestream, you seem to like replying to my posts. Considering you've been following them on quite a few article.
TP March 29, 2012 at 12:48 am
What do you think of the Black Panthers $10,000 bounty for "capturing Zimmerman Dead or Alive". You know, the Black Panthers that Pres. O's U.S. Attorney General refused to charge with voter intimidation . . . Why are these people not being charged? The thugs are running the asylum.
TP March 29, 2012 at 01:03 am
Darkness:
http://social.patriotactionnetwork.com/forum/topic/show?id=2600775%3ATopic%3A5630219 Your President selling out our country to the Russians. Caught on open mic.
Project Bluebeam March 29, 2012 at 01:56 am
MSNBC Host Karen Finney Blames Conservatives For Trayvon Martin Killing:
http://theroycroftreport.com/2012/03/23/msnbc-host-karen-finney-blames-conservatives-for-trayvon-martin-killing/ MSNBC Links The Koch Brothers To Trayvon Shooting… http://weaselzippers.us/2012/03/23/msnbc-links-the-koch-brothers-to-trayvon-shooting/ Ed Schultz blamed former Gov. Jeb Bush, R-Fla., for the death of Trayvon Martin: http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/ed-schultz-blames-bush-trayvon-martins-death/443481 Your beloved biased liberal media insists on calling Zimmerman a "white" Hispanic while refusing to acknowledge his political affiliation (D), The New Black Panther Party has a bounty on his capture or death; Spike Lee tweets the address of an innocent elderly couple as Zimmerman's (and refuses to apologize); and Obama 2012 hocks hoodies on their website just in time for the "Trayvon rallies" (the ones that don't call for rampaging Walgreens stores, that is). Tell me now...WHO is stirring up sh**?
KC March 29, 2012 at 05:37 am
I agree with you Bush is a failure. It is great to have a president who can articulate on his own without a scripted response.
Steve March 29, 2012 at 01:03 pm
Ken G, I guess you haven't seen the HBO Obama Money video by Nancy Pelosi's daughter. Oh, that's right they have wiped it of the face of the earth, hiding it from the masses. Now that's the Democratic way for sure !! If it doesn't fit with our message, let's censor it.
TP March 29, 2012 at 01:20 pm
Your President bretraying our country to the Russians. Caught on open mic.
http://social.patriotactionnetwork.com/forum/topic/show?id=2600775%3ATopic%3A5630219 After his "re-election" he can be more flexible (in disarming our country). Why??
Mattie March 29, 2012 at 01:47 pm
Well there's a real mature attitude. What's wrong, afraid the "liberal kid" is shooting down too many conservative myths and lies? Is he frustrating you with his "backtalk"? Even if you don't agree with him, how about you lay off and stop being a big bully?
Would you rather he spent all his spare time smoking pot, drinking and playing video games (so you can complain about that, too)?
Ken G March 29, 2012 at 06:42 pm
"He is a young kid that has obviously been brainwashed by either his liberal parents or a liberal teacher. Stop responding to him. You are only encouraging him."
THE RUSSIANS ARE INVADING, HES BEEN BRAINWASHED NOBODY IS SAFE! Is almost what your saying. I guess that means you've been brainwashed by either Conservative Parents or a Conservative Teacher. I, on the other hand, I care and respect any human, if there respectable. I dont judge a human based on class, age, skin color, orientation, gender, or what language they speak. I also respect other's choices. It's scary what comes from the Right Wing. Downright Scary. Oh, did you hear about the conservative indoctrination system in Texas and Mississippi? re-writing the history books so kids will be more conservative. Now thats communism. GROW UP. It's the 21st century, theres no communists planning to take over America, there is no "liberal indoctrination system", and OMG....it cant be....there's more than one religion! Liberals trying to censor everything? How about Religious groups crying out all the time when something doesn't fit their image? It sounds like Conservatives are never wrong. Oh and regarding Religion in politics...whats the first amendment?
TP April 4, 2012 at 02:46 am
Our Country has some serious problems:
Pro-Shariah Group Launches Disinformation Campaign Disturbing. Read the background notes on this group. http://owl.li/a42mm http://www.wnd.com/2012/04/islamization-of-america-accelerates/ This! In the USA?? http://youtu.be/coT24Y5QcX4 DHS To Grant Illegal Aliens “Unlawful Presence Waivers” | Judicial Watch http://t.co/8qI8GppA
TP April 4, 2012 at 02:48 am
They're actually correcting the History books that were rewritten by the libs. Did you see the clip of your beloved Pres. when he was caught on an open mic whispering to "the Russians". "It's my election year. I can be more FLEXIBLE (with disarming our missle defense system) after my re-election". Nice.
TP April 5, 2012 at 12:45 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILJDudUpct0
Illegal Aliens Caught Voting and Stealing Elections In Florida In Vast Numbers
TP April 7, 2012 at 03:16 pm
Welcome to the future, where all your decisions are made by someone else, and any flimsy excuse can be used a weapon. But wait, there's more:
"While we are unable to comment on individual cases, we would like to assure patients there is a procedure GP practices need to follow before they can remove patients from their lists.” Even the hospitals and doctors are not free to think and act independently. They have their overlords as well. Well brother, you asked for it. Surgery bans elderly patient over her carbon footprint - Telegraph www.telegraph.co.uk An elderly woman was ordered to find a new GP because the “carbon footprint” of her two-mile round trips to the surgery where she had been treated for 30 years was too large...

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Sheryl Claus June 4, 2013 at 01:03 am
Hi Patch! Where is my comment/response? I submitted it on Mon. 5/27 and it was not nearly asRead More inflammatory as some I have seen, just concerned and inquisitive. It read as "pending" after I submitted it (who makes that judgement, I do not know) so I am curious...
outofthere June 8, 2013 at 06:27 pm
Stephen may I remind you with a PH! is in Town Hall!! You aren't his main focus so I wouldn't worryRead More about him. He makes you work like dogs so he gets another feather in his hat.
outofthere June 8, 2013 at 06:29 pm
P/off employee-Said it all! Your turn Stephen!
short&sweet June 1, 2013 at 08:14 pm
You would do good if your were silent. You make very little sense and misstated the facts in justRead More about everything you said from landfill stickers to recycling to water revenue. What about when you needed a job, who gave you one? With the Director gone work will start going to contractors again. Everyone will pay. Taxpayers and employees. Did you read the article he wrote? If you didn't maybe you should. You too, nobody special. Who hired you? You will be picking up trash real soon. Are you going to grieve that too?
GETR DONE June 8, 2013 at 05:36 am
GET R DONE...Public Works LABORERS get paid peanuts for all the work they do.They work in allRead More temps/rain or shine and are always working hard,from building sports complex's to bulk pickup to brush/leaf pickup snow removal paving roads etc,however i never hear anything at all nice said about them!why is that?When are THEY going to be in photo shoots cutting ribbons!I Residents want their moneys worth from their hard earned tax dollars.....lets start with the top heavy supervision.
short&sweet June 9, 2013 at 02:53 am
Director Stanziano has been singing the praises of his workers for years. Did you read ANY of theRead More past articles on the Patch and in Manchester Times? How about his articles in magazines with pictures of his workers? He wrote about how his workers saved the town money. HE got them all raises, NOT the union. Yes let's start with TOP HEAVY supervision. Start at the TOP on the 2nd floor of town hall. Time to cut some of the FAT!