Fuel For Anger

The election of our first black president has brought with it a proliferation of anger and hatred among some conservatives. Many people support President Obama and his agenda, however a very loud minority is making waves. RR takes a look at what is driving the hatred that is tearing our country apart.

Misinformation / Disinformation / Propaganda
This is probably one of the largest drivers of the current hostility towards Obama and the Democrats. Dishonest politicians, divisive pundits and faux cable news channels are distorting facts to fire up the right. Many conservatives have bought into the 'left-biased mainstream media myth' and only subscribe to far right media. Some won't even take the extra step to verify info via fact check websites or other nonpartisan sources because of the paranoia right-biased media creates. Now the far right is trying to convince people that climatologist don't understand climate, scientists don't understand science and economists don't know anything about the economy. It's classic propaganda working to 'dumb-down' the audience.

Racism
Some people simply don't like the idea of an African American U.S. President. Racism still lingers in older generations and it's alive and well in various neighborhoods throughout rural and urban America - especially the South. The South seems to be where the strength of the GOP lies, so it's no surprise that the party remains relatively quiet in condemning the pundits, entertainers and politicians who promote it.

Greed
Both parties are influenced by lobbyists and corporate interest groups, however the GOP seems to favor big business. They're known for easing the regulations that protect consumers and integrating industry desires into policy. Obama and the Democrats have promised tighter regulations, more accountability and some major policy changes. A energy policy with a greater focus on renewable resources shifts focus away from oil and proposed health insurance reform may cut into the profits of insurance providers. Both industries have long and deep ties within Republican party and much of the propaganda found on right wing media is part of their effort to influence public opinion.

Fear
People naturally fear change. Of course, this was a key component of Obama's presidential campaign and he's been working hard to deliver on his campaign promises. Unfortunately, the current administration inherited an economy on life support from the previous Republican administration thus making the job much more difficult. Some like to forget this simple fact and blame Obama for listening to the majority of economists who advised swift action. Still, the deficit increase is worrisome, but doing nothing as the Republicans had proposed would have been disastrous.

I hate to think where our country will be in another year if the far right continues to stir the pot with racism, distortions and lies. Moderate and sensible conservatives should denounce some of the outrageous behavior before it's too late.