HATRED ON THE RISE: This is not just the nuanced yet still insidious kind that KILL BIGOTRY often likes to explore. We are talking about that good old-fashioned kind that even the blindest of “anything-but-bigotry-disease-deniers” can understand. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) reports that hate groups have grown by 40% since 2000. If you invested stock in hate groups back in 2000, you would be a very rich man today! Check out the Bob Jones, I mean Dow Jones Indexes: KKK up 50%; Aryan Nations up 42%; and mainstream media attention on hate groups up 0%.
IMMIGRATION as Hate Catalyst: Or is it the other way around? It’s hard to say. SPLC states the hate groups have been energized by the “rancorous national debate on immigration†that has penetrated “mainstream political discourseâ€. “This kind of really vile propaganda begins in hate groups, makes its way out into the larger anti-immigration movement, and, before you know it, winds up in places like ‘Lou Dobbs Tonight’ on CNN,” said Mark Potok, director of the SPLC’s Intelligence Project. “This country needs a robust debate on immigration, but it does not need a debate based on racist allegations and bogus conspiracy theories.”
FROM DEBATE TO HATE: Given the documented hate group proliferation, a journalistic expectation is placed on all media members to conduct this immigration debate intelligently, even-handed, and without fanning the flames of hate. Of course, this does not mean that there is not a wide range of opinions where fair and reasonable people can differ. However, reckless rhetoric can have deadly consequences. To get a better idea of how so-called “debate†becomes hate we offer two videos neither of which are very new, but need to be seen side-by-side.
VIDEO #1: Geraldo and Bill O’Reilly Square Off
(Note: You have probably already seen this)
Of additional concern is the O’Reilly “Popped Blood Vessel Watch” right around the time of…”He doesn’t have a right to be here! HE DOESN’T HAVE A RIGHT TO BE IN THIS COUNTRY!!! He should have been deported! HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DEPORTED!!!”… …KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHN!!!!…
VIDEO #2: Pathology of a Hate Crime
(Note: You have probably NOT seen this)
Note: Through Why Am I Not Surprised link this video was discovered on “Ally Work” who gave a hat tip to Tigera. Please pass on video.
No further commentary on 2nd video as it speaks for itself. Now, to our knowledge, there is absolutely no evidence that an O’Reilly, a Lou Dobbs[1], or other mainstream reporters[2] are out there advocating bombing schools or gunning down Mexicans at the border, but we do know that such type of irresponsible reporting can easily empower those that do. By legitimizing and inflaming their very lethal hatred, the hate movement in America does not need underground alternative media sources to successfully recruit new membership. In 2007, the blowhard on TV is, indeed, mightier than the sword.
[1] Although not in O’Reilly territory, SPLC has documented Lou Dobbs dubious guest lists, reckless leprosy reports, and general unwillingness to report the growing anti-immigration hate movement.
[2] FAIR reports that recklessness in mainstream reporting on this issue is not limited to one or two mainstream reporters.
And to think that CNN employing Mr. Dobbs is supposed to be the liberal cable network.
I watched this, Modi. I just don’t have the emotional resources to deal with it right now. What a jerk!
I’m forwarding this video to CNN and writing to them to have the balls to actually CLAIM that they are the most trusted name in news. I mean, how f*****g IRRESPONSIBLE and unethical of them to allow Dobbs to hide behind CNN’s reputation and name to legitimize his propaganda. And they actually have segments called “Keeping them honest” And “reality check” with Anderson Cooper?? He should start by applying them to his colleague for his libelous misreporting. I am so p****d off, I am forwarding this to everyone I know. And believe me, I know A LOT of people who blog all day and all in it, so I hope this information gets propagated quickly.
Yes, while Lou Dobbs is no Bill O’Reilly, he is very dangerous in a different way. He is considered to be a more “respectable” journalist but is extremely reckless and one-sided on this issue. Passing it along is the idea.