There you go again.
Republicans love to re-write history, especially if they can delegitimize a Democrat at the same time.
Byron York doing some fancy cherry-picking to coincide with the remembrance of the Oklahoma City bombing. No doubt he’s trying to give the Tea Party people and the angry right cover as we all remember the violent mind of domestic terrorist Timothy McVeigh. Trying to draw a political corollary between then and now by bringing politics into the mix. The anger at government which McVeigh and the Tea Party have in common, then diverges, with their actions so far dissimilar, as is the target of their grievances.
In a piece entitled, “How Clinton exploited Oklahoma City for political gain,” York conveniently ignores the political witch hunt of everything Clinton that began the moment he was elected. With all the subtlety of a rhetorical sledge hammer, York obviously wants to connect the Tea Party criticism to mere political concerns, saying Democrats are using them simply for political gain as well. He doesn’t have to say it to imply it.
It’s critical to remember today that it wasn’t Bill Clinton who started the political opportunistic coupling of events for manufactured outcomes. It was Republicans.
Since this is going to be a flashback day to 15 years ago, let’s remember the climate poised against Clinton, which went to the political landscape and a Republican Party hell bent on vengeance, simply because Clinton beat what Republicans perceived as the entitled re-election of George H.W. Bush.
As early as November 1992, immediately after Bill Clinton had won the right to move into the White House, Judge Sentelle had circulated a list of eleven “potential Independent Counsel,” even before there existed a case to investigate. Sentelle also circulated, via confidential fax, a typed list of prospective candidates that numbered nearly eighty. He had distilled this list down from a larger collection of names that he kept under lock and key. – “The Death of American Virtue,” by Ken Gormley (pg. 146)
This came after Justice Rehnquist manipulated the three-judge panel to put Judge Sentelle in power in the first place; in order to make way for whatever might come down against the new president at a time when Rush Limbaugh was calling Bill Clinton a murderer, with one of the most opportunistic and morally corrupt reverends in the history of right-wing politics, Jerry Falwell, eventually to release a video going even further.
So, when Byron York talks about Pres. Clinton using the Oklahoma City bombing to target the right, it’s important to keep in perspective what Republicans always do when Democrats get into power.
The effort to delegitimize Democratic lawmakers is a constant campaign for them.
It’s this campaign that is at the heart of the Tea Party people, especially since Barack Obama became president.
It’s inescapable that on the 15th year since Oklahoma City occurred, with the hate speech floating up from the Tea Party crowd, coaxed on by wingnut radio and politicians, that the Tea Party comes into focus as well. Meanwhile, armed citizens enjoy gun rallies in the Beltway.
Pres. Bill Clinton gives us some important perspective, which also offers insight on what’s percolating today:
… Finally, we should never forget what drove the bombers, and how they justified their actions to themselves. They took to the ultimate extreme an idea advocated in the months and years before the bombing by an increasingly vocal minority: the belief that the greatest threat to American freedom is our government, and that public servants do not protect our freedoms, but abuse them. On that April 19, the second anniversary of the assault of the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, deeply alienated and disconnected Americans decided murder was a blow for liberty.
Americans have more freedom and broader rights than citizens of almost any other nation in the world, including the capacity to criticize their government and their elected officials. But we do not have the right to resort to violence — or the threat of violence — when we don’t get our way. Our founders constructed a system of government so that reason could prevail over fear. Oklahoma City proved once again that without the law there is no freedom.
Criticism is part of the lifeblood of democracy. No one is right all the time. But we should remember that there is a big difference between criticizing a policy or a politician and demonizing the government that guarantees our freedoms and the public servants who enforce our laws. [...]
There is, however, a big gap between McVeigh and the Tea Party activists.
As we found out last week, many in the Tea Party are wealthy and well above McVeigh’s class. Their anger is splintered and partially misinformed, especially on taxes, though their target of government spending hits the mark. They are bonded primarily by frustration at government, but one thing clearly is different from McVeigh that goes well beyond class. (As an aside, it’s not completely unlike what now disgraced John Edwards tried tapping into bychanneling Mudcat Saunders.)
The racial component of Barack Obama’s presidency has stoked an irrational chant from Tea Party activists, whose target goes beyond McVeigh’s amorphous federal government grievance to hone in on the President himself. Instead of McVeigh watching the Branch Davidians’ battle with the government, which reportedly helped fuel his fury and the virulent complaints he had about the leadership of our country, Tea Party people are watching what they perceive as their country being changed by someone illegitimate, which is a convenient lie that fuels their fury.
We’ve gone from Timothy McVeigh being furious about the federal government to Tea Party activists who blame one person, Pres. Barack Obama, who also happens to be the first African American president.
Unlike McVeigh, who was a domestic terrorist, Obama’s presidency has ignited the latest frustration and anger towards government spending by providing a perfect personal foe. Someone who is seen as taking America somewhere the Tea Party people don’t want to go, through leadership they don’t accept as legitimate, which has been represented from the start by the birthers. This fact was once again proven last week when the CBS/NY Times poll reported that this myth “persists among Tea Partiers,” but also many Americans, with a total of 44% either not knowing or believing Pres. Obama was born in another country.
McVeigh’s fury against the federal government provided a symbol of rebellion against an institution.
Tea Party fury, helped along by the soundbite star power of Sarah Palin, is directed at one person, Pres. Obama.
It’s not unlike what the right did against Bill Clinton in the 1990s, except at least Clinton was a white southern good old boy Bubba. However, it’s important to remember he was still impeached through the lazy lacing of a thin sexual harassment case with a consensual affair that required the questionable and possibly illegal sequestration of a young woman, never mind that the two cases should never should have been coupled in the first place.
It’s true that the Tea Party fury at government spending is being funneled into November elections, where it should be, but the symbol that ignited their anger, Pres. Barack Obama, will remain in power well after November.
What then?
That poll that showed Tea Party people as above average in income, I could imagine that. What surprised me was they were supposedly above average in education. Education tends to broaden people’s minds, not narrow them.
Then I reflected that in the U.S. (where the word “college” is usually used rather than “university”), there are thousands upon thousands of so-called colleges and higher education institutes that are related to right-wing religious churches, many of which abjure things like the science of evolution.
Such institutions would fulfill the function of confirming narrow-mindedness, rather than doing what truly liberal education does.
That’s my own little theory on that. Something to wonder about.
The U.S. has some of the world’s greatest eductional institutions, and it also has many of the worst.
It would be very interesting to know where the college education took place — that’s a good an interesting point.
Excellent essay Taylor.
Isn’t it interesting that some of these people cannot extend their minds to consider that just as McVeigh sat in his living room and fumed at Waco which ripened into his disastrous actions at Oklahoma City, they cannot jump into the skin of an Afghan or Pakistani man watching his family being wiped out at a wedding by an American drone and deciding enough is enough and taking commensurate action.
Some of these pundits twist themselves in knots seeking extenuating circumstances to justify the actions of the militias — the American terrorists. Yet they rush to show their so called “patriotism” by damning the foreign terrorists who commit the very same acts. Guantanamo for all terrorists.
well said
Or a displaced Palestinian. Peace
Indeed, it is interesting, Ramsgate.
Very interesting essay, Taylor. Regarding your conclucing question: What next? … I wonder how well the “fury” can be sustained, beyond November? I’m afraid quite well, but another two years is a long time to keep most people stirred up. Of course, Obama will be in campaign mode, and it’s likely those who oppose him — especially the ones who are of the “birther” persuasion — will be energized by that alone.
I wonder about someting else — clearly race is a signficant part of the drama. As you say, the Tea Party fury is directed at Obama. But I wonder if we wouldn’t have seen the same kind of thing from the right, just a different “flavor,” had Clinton won. This definitely isn’t to revist the primaries — I just think that the “fury,” and the fear, were going to be there, and directed at the Democratic president, whoever it was. A race or gender “difference” are both big targets.
Joyce – I’ve thought about what it would have been like had Hillary won the WH and I think I agree with you. I just think it would have been worse because it would have been another Clinton to gang up on and though she’s a fighter and a good politician, I think that the opposition would have done everything in their power to destroy her. The Repubs just can’t stand the fact that they aren’t the ones to rule the roost all of the time and that’s why they have become the “Party of No.” It’s their way or the highway.
Hillary’s biggest problem would have come from the Left. Would you like me to explain why? Peace
Byron York is a prick of the first order. I will never forget how rude he was to the little gal from FDL who did such a good job of covering the Scooter Libby trial.he acted like it was beneath him to be paired with her on C-span.
I keep waiting for the American people to see Rush and Beck for what they are.This latest blast from the drugster saying it is on WJC if any violence happens was so insane and illogical.
When it gets to the point that an ex president who presided over peace and prosperity for eight years cannot ask for people to calm their words and the media does not condem people like Rush we are in trouble. There appears to be no limit to outrageous behavior accepted by someone who has high ratings. Sick, sick, sick.
“I keep waiting for the American people to see Rush and Beck for what they are.”
LL – that would require that these Americans think on their own and look into the lies perpetuated by Rush and Beck. Once again I will reiterate – Beck and Rush fit into the thinking of a certain group of people. It’s a mind set thing. Their perceptions of the world. God forbid they should look for truth.
“Prick”—-my, my, my. Tony Blankley, Newt’s old chief-of-staff, almost became unhinged yesterday on CNN whilr speaking about this very subject. By the looks of it York and Tony spoke before this opinion piece was written. Peace
I don’t agree with all the tactics the tea party are doing. I don’t believe they should name call because it does not help their cause. I am glad they protest. I like it when people protest and express their right to free speech. I liked it when the anti-war protesters marched and expressed their point of view, which I agreed with. The tea party could become something so much bigger if they calm down on the name calling and just protest on issues instead of just not liking someone.
The people in the T-bagger movement are dellusional racists. They should all go back home and yell at their wives and children like they use to before they began marching around with their silly “socialist” and “communist” signs. I wouldn’t mind them all yelling at the Left if they actually could define the stuff that they are opposed to. Peace
Lake Lady says:
19 April 2010 at 5:08 pm
“I keep waiting for the American people to see Rush and Beck for what they are. This latest blast from the drugster saying it is on WJC if any violence happens was so insane and illogical.”
LL, I’ll TAKE this even further. EACH President promises to change the tone in Washington D.C. And they aren’t able to do it. Why? Because in order to change the tone in Washington D.C. they will first have to take back the airwaves. Somehow, someway through deregulation the airwaves slipped out of our grasp into the hands of corporate titans, and with them, the downward (and rightward) drift of our political discourse.
The airwaves belong to the people, and what we really need is someone with the courage to take them back for the people. The Democrats do not have the courage to institute the fairness doctrine, or to confront the right wing extremists. And sadly they too are now in the pocket of the corporate interests.
The teabaggers are and never will be anything other then a wholly owned fringe subsidiary of the repugnantklan party. PERIOD.
They are demonsterably moeons on the issues.
They are demonsterably racists. They are repugnantklaners.
“demonsterably”—-impressive. You were even able to use the word in context. Perhaps you aren’t as (nisert adjective here) as you normally sound. Peace
Coming from one who knows and uses all dem big words that’s high praise indeed. To bad you know all them thar words but can’t say anything anyone wants to hear.
“Hillary’s biggest problem would have come from the Left. Would you like me to explain why? Peace”
Crikets,Crikets,Crikets,Crikets,Crikets,Crikets,
But don’t you mind, you’re sooooo happy hearing your own self recognized brillance it dosen’t matter if you bore ass everyone else! It must be sooo self satisfying being such a legend in your own mind.
Amen.
Thank you for reassuring me that I have a mind. It’s much appreciated. Peace
77pct of americans dont trust their govt bc the gop has been tarring the congress and president for yrs. this is why dems have to learn to call out the many lies daily. if u lie enough it becomes true to many. death panels. deficits etc.. in 1980 80 pct distrusted their govt. reagan was elected. funny- that same poll from pew today shows 61pct want more govt regs in place on wall st. so folks distrust it yet see the need for it in other areas. looks like the wall st reg bill will be a key battle
The fascist Republicans remember what their hero Adolf once told them, “The great masses of the people…..will more easily fall victim to a big lie than to a small one.” Peace
77% of people don’t trust their government, and that government IS the Democrats. Democrats are completely deranged where the Tea Party people are concerned. And, it doesn’t matter how many “lies” Democrats “call out.” The people of this country simply do not buy the Democratic Party at this point; they’re not that crazy about Republicans; but they really despise Democrats. They despise the Chicago “thugs” who are running this government. They despise their “palace guard” at MSNBC, too. The more Democrats play the race card, the more the Democrats play the “sedition” card, the more the Democrats play the “right wing extremist” card [the Timothy McVeigh card!” the more Americans get disgusted with the Democrats.
The Tea Partiers and the Democratic Liars:
“Tea Party members are not calling for a repeal of the Constitution but for its enforcement. They are the complete opposite of what Clinton thinks they are…”
http://pajamasmedia.com/richardfernandez/2010/04/18/the-washington-monument/
Liberal Robert McCartney Goes to A Tea Party:
“I found that I agreed heartily with the tea partiers on what is perhaps their single biggest concern: that America’s swelling government debt seriously threatens our long-term prosperity.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/17/AR2010041702652.html
Libertarians Lead Independent Shift From Obama
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/35977.html
Noogan, as a libertarian-leaning Dem, I fully concur with this analysis:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0410/35977.html
Libertarians seem to be a leading indicator of this trend in centrist, independent-minded voters, based on an analysis of many years of polling data. We estimate that libertarians compose from 14 percent to 23 percent of voters nationally. They are among the few real swing voters in U.S. politics.
However, I’m still a Democrat, though I do not relate to the current domestic policy of the people who run Washington.
That said, it is wrong to deny that Tea Party activists are mostly Republican right. The deficit was the beginning, as I’ve been writing for months, with health care the ignition. Obama’s race makes the perfect storm.
http://www.taylormarsh.com/2010/04/19/obamas-problems-began-under-bush-escalated-because-of-health-care/
Let me also state that even though I disagree with you, I hope you’ll hang in there amidst the criticism. We need ALL voices (well almost all) to be heard on this site.
“well almost all,” care to elaborate? Peace
Racists are not welcomed here.
If you throw enough s*** against the wall some of it is bound to stick. I would still like to know how you stand on the Federal Reserve Bank? Peace
The poor dear, she’s done and gone and drunk the tea from the nasty old teabaggers.