Tea Party Followup
I was asked in the comments of yesterday’s post to produce some evidence of racist Tea Party signs. Here are a bunch of them:
Sign 1
Sign 2
Sign 3
Sign 4
Sign 5
Sign 6
Sign 7
Sign 8
Sign 9
Sign 10
Sign 11
Sign 12
Sign 13
Sign 14
Sign 15
Sign 16
Sign 17
And that was just with a little bit of looking. I am sure there are more out there.
Perhaps surprisingly, I want to add two points that speak in favor of the Tea Party movement (such as it is):
1) I have seen many photos of Tea Party signs AGAINST racism. I think the racist presence within the Tea Party is almost certainly a minority, but it’s significant enough to be a legitimate concern. The NAACP acted correctly to write a letter asking the Tea Party to stand against the racist elements within it. (You can sign the NAACP pledge against hate here.)
2) Over time, I believe there are fewer racist Tea Party signs. Perhaps they really are cleaning up their act; I sincerely hope that is the case.
Starting today, there is an official Tea Party caucus in the House. For better or for worse, the Tea Party has now made itself a legislative force at the national level. I think it will be fascinating to see which Republicans join the caucus and which do not…
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July 21st, 2010 at 12:43 pm
I spent a while typing out a comment but wordpress didn’t post it…
So to recap.
Explain how pic 1,2,& 3 Are associated with the Tea Party…
Why do you think the tea party is racist? Do you think the tea party is off shoot of the KKK ?
Explain why there are so many African Americans at tea party rallies. Even among the upper ranks in the Tea Party..
Let’s say I bring a racist sign to a progressive rally and get it photoed before being thrown out. Then I spread the photo around the inet and post blogs about how racist your rally was. Does that make it a legitimate claim of racism among your org?
Let’s be real with each other instead of this attacking without merit.
July 21st, 2010 at 1:16 pm
I don’t think the Tea Party as a whole is racist — I think they have an above average number of racist members. They are doing a better job of policing themselves to remove the racist elements, which I commend.
“So many African Americans at tea party rallies?” Are you nuts? Tea Party rallies are whiter than a snowstorm.
That “Congress = slaveowner” picture in the list is a picture of the teaparty.org founder being interviewed by Houston TV. The Tea Party Express founder was booted because of his racist letter to the NAACP. Racism in the Tea Party is a very real problem from the top to the bottom. I am glad to see they are addressing the problem, but it’s clear that the complaints about racism in the Tea Party are legitimate.
July 21st, 2010 at 9:11 pm
And it looks like the Sherrod thing is made-up, much like the whole ACORN pimp thing.
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=7957
July 21st, 2010 at 9:29 pm
And Olbermann is on the case as well:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/38353508#38353508
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Long time reader, first time poster. I have to call into question the validity of some of the pictures you have posted. I will agree that a few of them are most definitely racist even if some are not in a “tea party” context, which raises doubt about their validity.
However, equating Obama to Hitler (as is done in several) may be despicable, but it was also done in regards to Bush. On this point, I will concede that Hitler was racist (obviously), but I politely request that you provide some proof of outrage that is dated January, 2001 - January, 2009. I am in no way advocating that comparing Obama to Hitler is acceptable, but I do wish to ferret out hypocrisy where it exists.
I would like to point out one specific image, number 10. Requesting that diverse communities accept all members, and not just those that mesh with the leadership’s philosophies, is hardly racist. I believe this sign is a plea to the rest of the country in regards to the fact that “tea partiers” have been severely demonized and are predominately comprised of “every day citizens.”
Number 12, “our ‘N’ word is November”, is most likely pointing out the fact that they are indeed NOT racist and making light of the racist accusations. I will cede that this one, at least, could easily be construed as racist by a person that is intent on condemning the movement.
Ahh, number 15, “Robbin’ Hood.” This one is obviously making a fairly intelligent allusion to the popular mythology of Robin Hood stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. I am pretty sure it is in reference to the modicum of evidence that seems to suggest Obama is interested in some form of redistribution of wealth (much like the mythological character). If the sign is racist because a white person (we can’t tell, but some would assume) makes reference to the “hood,” I would purport the use of slang, particularly in allegory, is widely practiced and accepted.
That being said, I will agree that a small minority of tea party members are, in fact, racist. I believe that racism exists in all facets of most communities to some extent. We work for the same organization and I know for a fact there are racists that are members of the community. I have seen it. I am willing to place a large bet that the vast majority of people in said community are not racist, wouldn’t you agree? Does this delegitimize our employer? I would argue no.
In conclusion, I will freely admit that “right-wing” media sources such as Breitbart, Fox News, Limbaugh, etc are sometimes wrong or blatently distort the truth. I simply request that others are willing to agree that the “left-wing” media (almost everybody else) is just as guilty of distortion.
July 26th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
A few things:
1) I would love love love it if there really were such a thing as “left-wing” media on the scale that people talk about. There isn’t. Most media is pro-establishment, pro-big-business, and, of course, chasing their own bottom line.
2) There is a straight-up lie factory on the political right these days, orders of magnitude more efficient and prolific than anything seen in American political history. I just can’t get behind writing it off under that old canard of, “well, both sides distort the truth.” The right has invented their own reality and are trying to force us to live in it through control of the national narrative.
3) I’ll see what I can do about your request for dated photographs of Tea Party racists. I will point out that at least two Tea Party LEADERS have been caught with racist behavior: Mark Williams, the now-expelled leader of the Tea Party Express who wrote that outrageous letter to the NAACP, and Dale Robertson, the founder of teaparty.org holding the charming “Congress = Slaveowner” sign in picture #4.
July 28th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
1) Wow, maybe I was brainwashed from a young age by my father, but for years (yes, long before O’Reilly, Beck, and, *shudder* even Limbaugh) I couldn’t understand why the main stream television media (CBS, NBC, ABC — this pre-dates when I had cable as a child) completely disregards some facets of many, many stories. Once I had access to internet news, about the age of 13, I was dumbfounded at the complete and total negligence of the news media. I just cannot fathom how you refuse to admit that both niches (maybe not sides, for as you point out, they are often guided by the bottom line) distort the truth and fail miserably to be actual journalists. I wasn’t much of a Bush fan after about 2003, but one blatantly obvious example has to be “Rathergate.” Let us not forget the recent Journo-list fiasco of late. Also, as you have pointed out in other posts, Fox News blew the New Black Panther party stuff out of proportion. You are right, but I must ask you: Were they not racist (especially in other very, very obvious statements released later via video owned by National Geographic and other reputable sources)? Were they not committing a crime? Shouldn’t all people, regardless of color, creed, gender, religion, or sexuality be treated equally under the law? Some of your previous posts seem to imply you disagree with that. If so, I am sorry you feel that laws should be applied differently to different people, but that completely negates any other legal views you may have in my opinion.
2) As I have said before, you are correct; “right-wing” media does have it wrong sometimes. Perhaps even on purpose! I would like for you to point out some evidence for your statement that it is of “orders of magnitude more efficient and prolific than anything seen in American political history,” however. Specifics are good here. You know, with actual evidence that they are wrong. Simply stating, “Glenn Beck is an idiot!” or “Fox News just tells lies all day!” doesn’t quite work. I want something other than the typical rebuttal of the left.
3) I wasn’t really looking for dated photographs of Tea Party racists. As I said before, I will sadly admit that there are racists in the community. However, some of your photographs are of houses or just don’t have any context whatsoever. Yeah, this is extreme and I would never do it, but I could easily put a bunch of pro-socialism signs in my front yard, take a picture, and then claim it was taken from just outside of a progressive rally.
4) I am also saddened that I spent a fair amount of time developing a somewhat intelligent and reasoned response and was, essentially, given the typical line in return.
July 28th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
1) Wow, maybe I was brainwashed from a young age by my father, but for years (yes, long before O’Reilly, Beck, and, *shudder* even Limbaugh) I couldn’t understand why the main stream television media (CBS, NBC, ABC — this pre-dates when I had cable as a child) completely disregards some facets of many, many stories. Once I had access to internet news, about the age of 13, I was dumbfounded at the complete and total negligence of the news media. I just cannot fathom how you refuse to admit that both niches (maybe not sides, for as you point out, they are often guided by the bottom line) distort the truth and fail miserably to be actual journalists. I wasn’t much of a Bush fan after about 2003, but one blatantly obvious example has to be “Rathergate.” Let us not forget the recent Journo-list fiasco of late. Also, as you have pointed out in other posts, Fox News blew the New Black Panther party stuff out of proportion. You are probably right, but I must ask you: Were they not racist (especially in other very, very obvious statements released later via video owned by National Geographic and other reputable sources)? Were they not committing a crime? Shouldn’t all people, regardless of color, creed, gender, religion, or sexuality be treated equally under the law? Some of your previous posts seem to imply you disagree with that. If so, I am sorry you feel that laws should be applied differently to different people, but that completely negates any other legal views you may have.
2) As I have said before, you are correct; “right-wing” media does have it wrong sometimes. Perhaps even on purpose! I would like for you to point out some evidence for your statement that it is of “orders of magnitude more efficient and prolific than anything seen in American political history,” however. Specifics are good here. You know, with actual evidence that they are wrong. Simply stating, “Glenn Beck is an idiot!” or “Fox News just tells lies all day!” doesn’t quite work. I want something other than the typical rebuttal of the left.
3) I wasn’t really looking for dated photographs of Tea Party racists. As I said before, I will sadly admit that there are racists in the community. However, some of your photographs are of houses or just don’t have any context whatsoever. Yeah, this is extreme and I would never do it, but I could easily put a bunch of pro-socialism signs in my front yard, take a picture, and then claim it was taken from just outside of a progressive rally.
4) I am also saddened that I spent a fair amount of time developing a somewhat intelligent and reasoned response and was, essentially, given the typical line in return.
July 29th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
1) Wow, maybe I was brainwashed from a young age by my father, but for years (yes, long before O’Reilly, Beck, and, *shudder* even Limbaugh) I couldn’t understand why the main stream television media (CBS, NBC, ABC — this pre-dates when I had cable as a child) completely disregards some facets of many, many stories. Once I had access to internet news, about the age of 13, I was dumbfounded at the complete and total negligence of the news media. I just cannot fathom how you refuse to admit that both niches (maybe not sides, for as you point out, they are often guided by the bottom line) distort the truth and fail miserably to be actual journalists. I wasn’t much of a Bush fan after about 2003, but one blatantly obvious example has to be “Rathergate.” Let us not forget the recent Journo-list fiasco. Also, as you have pointed out in other posts, Fox News blew the New Black Panther party stuff out of proportion. You are probably right, but I must ask you: Were they not racist (especially in other very, very obvious statements released later via video owned by National Geographic and other reputable sources)? Were they not committing a crime? Shouldn’t all people, regardless of color, creed, gender, religion, or sexuality be treated equally under the law, especially when violating existing law? Some of your previous posts seem to imply you disagree with this. If so, I am sorry you feel that laws should be applied differently to different people, but that completely negates any other legal views you may have.
2) As I have said before, you are correct; “right-wing” media does have it wrong sometimes. Perhaps even on purpose! I would like for you to point out some evidence for your statement that it is of “orders of magnitude more efficient and prolific than anything seen in American political history,” however. Specifics are good here. You know, with actual evidence that they are wrong. Simply stating, “Glenn Beck is an idiot!” or “Fox News just tells lies all day!” doesn’t quite work. I want something other than the typical rebuttal of the left.
3) I wasn’t really looking for dated photographs of Tea Party racists. As I said before, I will sadly admit that there are racists in the community. However, some of your photographs are of houses or just don’t have any context whatsoever. Yeah, this is extreme and I would never do it, but I could easily put a bunch of pro-socialism signs in my front yard, take a picture, and then claim it was taken from just outside of a progressive rally.
4) I am also saddened that I spent a fair amount of time developing a somewhat intelligent and reasoned response and was, essentially, given the typical line in return.
July 29th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
I have posted multiple replies (same text twice, slightly edited the third) here over the past 24 hours, but none show up. As my first post appeared immediately, I believe this isn’t directly moderated. Any idea what is up? Maybe it was too long? I don’t get any errors, it just doesn’t show up.
July 29th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
I guess it is too long… Here it is, broken up:
1) Wow, maybe I was brainwashed from a young age by my father, but for years (yes, long before O’Reilly, Beck, and, *shudder* even Limbaugh) I couldn’t understand why the main stream television media (CBS, NBC, ABC — this pre-dates when I had cable as a child) completely disregards some facets of many, many stories. Once I had access to internet news, about the age of 13, I was dumbfounded at the complete and total negligence of the news media. I just cannot fathom how you refuse to admit that both niches (maybe not sides, for as you point out, they are often guided by the bottom line) distort the truth and fail miserably to be actual journalists. I wasn’t much of a Bush fan after about 2003, but one blatantly obvious example has to be “Rathergate.” Let us not forget the recent Journo-list fiasco. Also, as you have pointed out in other posts, Fox News blew the New Black Panther party stuff out of proportion. You are probably right, but I must ask you: Were they not racist (especially in other very, very obvious statements released later via video owned by National Geographic and other reputable sources)? Were they not committing a crime? Shouldn’t all people, regardless of color, creed, gender, religion, or sexuality be treated equally under the law, especially when violating existing law? Some of your previous posts seem to imply you disagree with this. If so, I am sorry you feel that laws should be applied differently to different people, but that completely negates any other legal views you may have.
2) As I have said before, you are correct; “right-wing” media does have it wrong sometimes. Perhaps even on purpose! I would like for you to point out some evidence for your statement that it is of “orders of magnitude more efficient and prolific than anything seen in American political history,” however. Specifics are good here. You know, with actual evidence that they are wrong. Simply stating, “Glenn Beck is an idiot!” or “Fox News just tells lies all day!” doesn’t quite work. I want something other than the typical rebuttal of the left.
July 29th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
3) I wasn’t really looking for dated photographs of Tea Party racists. As I said before, I will sadly admit that there are racists in the community. However, some of your photographs are of houses or just don’t have any context whatsoever. Yeah, this is extreme and I would never do it, but I could easily put a bunch of pro-socialism signs in my front yard, take a picture, and then claim it was taken from just outside of a progressive rally.
4) I am also saddened that I spent a fair amount of time developing a somewhat intelligent and reasoned response and was, essentially, given the typical line in return.
July 29th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
And now it tells me that the follow up has already been posted… Apparently Wordpress has some bad coding. Thus, I added this segment in an effort to bypass it’s failed duplication detection software.
3) I wasn’t really looking for dated photographs of Tea Party racists. As I said before, I will sadly admit that there are racists in the community. However, some of your photographs are of houses or just don’t have any context whatsoever. Yeah, this is extreme and I would never do it, but I could easily put a bunch of pro-socialism signs in my front yard, take a picture, and then claim it was taken from just outside of a progressive rally.
4) I am also saddened that I spent a fair amount of time developing a somewhat intelligent and reasoned response and was, essentially, given the typical line in return.
July 30th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Trying again. Wordpress wouldn’t let me publish the second portion of my post last night for some reason…
3) I wasn’t really looking for dated photographs of Tea Party racists. As I said before, I will sadly admit that there are racists in the community. However, some of your photographs are of houses or just don’t have any context whatsoever. Yeah, this is extreme and I would never do it, but I could easily put a bunch of pro-socialism signs in my front yard, take a picture, and then claim it was taken from just outside of a progressive rally.
4) I am also saddened that I spent a fair amount of time developing a somewhat intelligent and reasoned response and was, essentially, given the typical line in return.
July 31st, 2010 at 12:35 am
Ok, the messageboard software you use… sucks. Completely. I have tried to add the second half of my follow-up post on multiple occasions, but it won’t accept it. In fact, it even tells me I have a “duplicate post” that obviously doesn’t exist. Eh, most likely this one won’t either.
July 31st, 2010 at 12:35 am
That went through, maybe this will work?
3) I wasn’t really looking for dated photographs of Tea Party racists. As I said before, I will sadly admit that there are racists in the community. However, some of your photographs are of houses or just don’t have any context whatsoever. Yeah, this is extreme and I would never do it, but I could easily put a bunch of pro-socialism signs in my front yard, take a picture, and then claim it was taken from just outside of a progressive rally.
4) I am also saddened that I spent a fair amount of time developing a somewhat intelligent and reasoned response and was, essentially, given the typical line in return.
July 31st, 2010 at 9:55 am
Derek, looks like some of your posts got caught in the spam filter. I don’t know what that’s all about, sorry.
I will release them from the spam filter pronto.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:00 am
I don’t have the time to document the lies from Fox News, but the good folks over at Media Matters do:
http://mediamatters.org
August 3rd, 2010 at 11:02 am
Wow, really didn’t want *all* of those coming through, but I bet you didn’t really have control over it. If you want to clean up the duplicates, please feel free.
August 3rd, 2010 at 11:51 am
I understand, and I wouldn’t either. The thing is that if I mark any of your comments as spam, that will make it more likely that the spam filter catches it in the future. So, better to let them all through to train the spam filter not to eat your comments, which I appreciate.
Sorry it did that in the first place. It might have been the length of the comment that triggered it.