An Open Letter to Real Republicans about Bigoted Idiots in the GOP

In my view, the proposition that the GOP is riddled with bigoted idiots in leadership positions – not to mention those all-important followership positions – hardly requires more proof that reading the paper or watching TV news while having enough neuronal activity to sustain life functions. But I understand that there are some conservatives of good will and fine ethical fibre who still believe that such attitudes are an abberation in their GOP. Like most people, if we do not share an attitude, we consider it to be marginal. It’s a perfectly human reaction. It’s called denial, and it is the first step in recovery from bigot addiction.

Recent incidents involving prominent Arizona Republican leaders such as Russell Pearce and J.D. Hayworth have shown how thoroughly abhorrent attitudes have pervaded the Republican party. I haven’t covered these incidents much of late, but as long as fine, rock-ribbed Republican folk continue to support those politicians, and, perhaps, the Republican party itself, these attitudes will continue to fester and grow within their party. So I’m writing this to the Republicans who visit here.

Of course, I’m perfectly happy to see the GOP torpedo its own future with growing segments of the electorate. But I do genuinely feel that some of this nonsense is starting to discredit mainline Republicanism, which is unfortunate because there are useful and noble ideas behind Republicanism that I honor. I don’t think those ideas should guide government policy unchecked, but they can play a useful role in loyal opposition in a properly deliberative democratic process (which radical Republicans have all but destroyed in this country).

I posit this question: Isn’t it better to bring down one or two of your own worst offenders? If Republicans continue to stand behind politicians who espouse racist and/or anti-semitic ideas, isn’t it reasonable for people to assume that the party also stands behind those ideas?

Russell Pearce calls for a redux of Project Wetback, with complete insouciance about the racist overtones of the project’s name. Is he really that out of touch? Then he email blasts anti-semitic conspiracy lit written by a hate group. Is he really that incompetent and sloppy? How is this guy a credit to your party and champion of your values? Even immigrant-baiting Randy Graf had the good sense to back away from association with this level of stupid.

After launching a rhetorical attack in his book based on the anti-semitic rantings of Henry Ford, which was already chock-full of racialist ideas and lies about Hispanic people, J.D. Hayworth sends his proxies to a Jewish temple who then claims that J.D. is a more observant Jew than they are. When most of those in attendance storm out in disgust, the mouthpiece tells the remaining congregation, "no wonder there are anti-Semites." This is the best face you can present to the nation? This is a leader in your party? This guy doesn’t merit leadership of the night shift at Denny’s.

Ron Gould flies a Confederate flag outside his Lake Havasu home. Then he storms out of an interview in which he questioned about it. Given that we are not in the South, Gould’s contention that he flew it as a historical symbol doesn’t fly. And even if we accept that, what history is it a symbol of? The attempt by Southern elites to destroy our Union in name of keeping other humans as property. Laudable, no? What does this say about Gould? What does it say about the Republican party?

Where does the permission to indulge in this sort of open bigotry, hate, and racism come from? From the very top of the GOP, and from the very bottom.

A piece of advice to all Republicans. When your leaders get too crazy for the good of your party, put them down. Don’t let them spread their hatred and bigotry, lest you gather a well-deserved reputation as the party of hate.