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McCain and Palin: Truth or Hate?

By Carmen D. on Tuesday, October 7th, 2008, 3:52 am Comments

What kind of person fans hatred as a get out the vote (GOTV) strategy? Whether you like Barack Obama and Joe Biden or not, I have to believe most Americans are appalled when the phrase "kill him" is shouted out at Palin’s rally and "terrorist" is shouted out at McCain’s when Barack Obama’s name is mentioned. McCain and Palin just smirked when this hatred was spewed and continued on with their speeches. I refuse to believe this is the kind of America most Americans want to live in or have their children and grandchildren grow up in.

Looking at past relationships is fair game in a political campaign. I encourage it. And as McCain/Palin and the Republican party rage on about Obama’s association with 60’s radical William Ayers, let us talk about the fact that Palin’s husband, the "First Dude", was a verified member of a secessionist party that wanted Alaska to leave the United States – yes that’s right Todd Palin was a member of the Alaska Independence Party. "According to the director of Division of Elections in Alaska, Gail Fenumiai, Todd Palin registered in October 1995 to the Alaska Independence Party, a radical group that advocates for Alaskan secession from the United States." Palin’s partner remained a member of the Alaska Independence Party until 2002, until 2002, the first year Palin ran for statewide office.The AIP’s leader/creator Joe Vogler puts it this way:

"I’m an Alaskan, not an American. I’ve got no use for America or her damned institutions." The same man, AIP founder Joe Vogler, also said, "[T]he fires of Hell are glaciers compared to my hate for the American government."

What does it say about John McCain’s character and worldview that he sat on the board of the US. Council for World Freedom a group well known for its relationship to Nazi collaborators and right wing death squads in Central America? According to the Associated Press:

GOP presidential nominee John McCain has past connections to a private group that supplied aid to guerrillas seeking to overthrow the leftist government of Nicaragua in the Iran-Contra affair.

McCain’s ties are facing renewed scrutiny after his campaign criticized Barack Obama for his link to a former radical who engaged in violent acts 40 years ago.

The U.S. Council for World Freedom was part of an international organization linked to former Nazi collaborators and ultra-right-wing death squads in Central America. The group was dedicated to stamping out communism around the globe.

The council’s founder, retired Army Maj. Gen. John Singlaub, said McCain became associated with the organization in the early 1980s as McCain was launching his political career in Arizona. Singlaub said McCain was a supporter but not an active member in the group.

McCain has said previously he resigned from the council in 1984 and asked in 1986 to have his name removed from the group’s letterhead.

"I didn’t know whether (the group’s activity) was legal or illegal, but I didn’t think I wanted to be associated with them," McCain said in a newspaper interview in 1986.

Singlaub does not recall any McCain resignation in 1984 or May 1986. Nor does Joyce Downey, who oversaw the group’s day-to-day activities.

"That’s a surprise to me," Singlaub said. "This is the first time I’ve ever heard that."

I once respected John McCain. But now, McCain’s battle cry of "country first" is a complete distortion of the course he and his campaign has chosen to follow.

VOTE!

  • n-2-me-i-c
    Palin and McCain rallies feel more like lynch mob gatherings than a speed metal concert. They are fanning fires of hate against Obama and gaining momentum day-by-day. As I've said in my previous comment, even if Obama wins, his life will be in danger.
  • There's no difference between the two parties when it comes to mudslinging and stirring up the appropriate hatred. I doubt that McCain himself would have condoned the 'kill him' mentality. But that is what Republican party does best - stirring up its base. The Democratic party wishes (literally) that they were as effective in stirring up its own base.

    It's like going to a speed metal concert. Everyone's slammin' around to some pretty graphic lyrics and very loud gutiars. The band that can manage the aggression level of its fans the best gets the record deal.

    Vote your concience! Vote Green!
  • bpress
    The only thing I disagree on is the statement about once respecting John McCain. I have never respected his politics since he has always been manipulative (NOT a Straight Talker) and many times abusive (at least in his language).
  • n-2-me-i-c
    Carmen, many thanks for posting this.

    Palin and McCain are inciting HATE and FEAR in Americans. This is an OUTRAGE! People are yelling "kill him", and calling him a “terrorist”. Some moronic imbecile might take those words seriously and actually be moved to take action. It appears the MSM (along with most of the American public?), see it as ‘merely’ a desperate political tactic.... I DON'T.

    If Obama wins--or loses--I am concerned that hate crimes will follow in the wake of McCain/Palin political hate tactics. To ‘race bait’ is to fuel a deep dark persistent evil that lurks in the psyche of America. Racism has harmed minorities and corrupted its perpetrator. This election, the Democratic primary, and the AP-Study prove racism—consciously or unconsciously-- still carries a lot of destructive power.

    Why aren't more Americans outraged? Thus far, the only one I have heard screaming has been Richard Trumka. He nailed racism and said what many of us have been feeling for many years. I am surprised your blog hasn't received more comments about his speech. Just goes to show you how unpredictable people are.
  • uglyblackjohn
    I was cosidering McCain. His choice of Palin (and their campaign tactics) solidified my support for the Dem. ticket.
    macon d - it must be true (IOKIYAR)
  • You're right, the mudslinging could go the other way too, but it just wouldn't stick, would it, cuz IOKIYAR (that is, "it's ok if you're a republican").

    I'm upset now about the race-baiting. I think it's safe to say that both of these candidates' actions amount to hate speech and incitement. They could push some nutjob over the edge! They're being totally reckless. Where's the outrage? Oh, right--IOKIYAR. Hmph--"liberal media" my ass.
  • Chi Chi
    Carmen,

    Thanks so much for this article. It was most enlightening. McCain is a desperate man and going after whatever he can lay his hands on to knock Obama down. He doesn't seem to care that his nor Palin's associations are not "lily white" (excuse the reference) either. They know they are lying and tell half-truths, but it doesn't matter as long as they put the lie out there. There are those who will believe them, no matter what the truth is. I cannot fully express my disappointment in McCain. I used to think he had integrity and considered voting for him very early in the campaign, as I vote for the person not the party.

    McCain is behaving, it seems to me, like the soiled, rich kid, he was growing up and ruthless in having his way as a young adult. Any one who would desert a spouse and his children for a "better looking" and younger woman is someone without character any way. It is the little things we do in life that truly belie our character.I like to pay attention to the little things that people do because to the me the little things calculate the sum.

    Again, thanks for more information about this pair! They're unbelievable!

    God, please bless America!
  • You know, I have to tell you, I really enjoy this blog and the insight from everyone who participates. I find it to be refreshing and very informative. I wish there were more blogs like it. Anyway, I felt it was about time I posted, I’ve spent most of my time here just lurking and reading, but today for some reason I just felt compelled to say this.
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