The Bee this AM had an article on Sacramento (CA) Republican party website that featured graphics that had photo of Barack Obama in a Turban, and linked Obama to that still-uncaught-terrorist-still-at-large-in-Afganistan. The Website suggested in a headline we "Waterboard Obama". It also included typical attack material on Michelle Obama, etc. etc.
Sacramento Bee 10-15-08 Page 1
Taking credit for the site (sacramentorepublicans.org) and its content was county party chairman Craig MacGlashan – husband of Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan.
...he defended his Web site. "I'm aware of the content," he said. "Some people find it offensive, others do not. I cannot comment on how people interpret things."
MacGlashan said he would "consider people's complaints" before taking any action.
By Tuesday night, much of the questionable material – which ranged from depicting Obama in a turban to attacking Michelle Obama – had been removed, replaced with political cartoons attacking Obama.
The Sacramento GOP's Web site is markedly different in tone from other GOP or Democratic Party sites in the region in its use of illustrations and cartoons attacking the presidential nominee.
Democratic party officials condemned the GOP site. "It's exactly the kind of vile, repugnant politicking that has relegated the California GOP to an afterthought in California politics," said Roger Salazar, spokesman for the state Democratic Party. "Even the top of their ticket would be disgusted by this display of dishonesty."
GOP congressional candidate Rep. Dan Lungren's photo appeared above the Osama and Obama illustration.
Tim Clark, a Lungren spokesman, said the congressman had no control over the site's content.
For complete slide show of images off website.
Article also discusses defacing of an Obama sign with "KKK" and other graphiti. Article does not mention any incidents of defacing McCain signs/hate acts, but of course included comments to effect "they do it too" from Republican officials. (two wrongs make a right/ moral equivalance justification).
Unreported in the Bee, was another incident I am personally aware of:
Three weeks ago, a friend and her husband had the side window of her Prius shot out while driving on freeway 50 in Rancho Cordova (urbanized area of sacramento) by folks in a truck. She thinks it was related to the Obama sticker on her bumper. She reported this to CHP.
??? Does anyone remember and have the link for the Video that was on the RNC website in 2004 (?) where photos of Gore, et al were morphed into Hitler...???
I listen to local talk radio, and fear for loss of civil society where the right to agree to disagree. Democracy and free speach can only be healthy when we have secured "Domestic Tranquilly"- a goal of the founding of America highlighted in our Constitution's preamble.
You might join me in emailing Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan -- as a leader in the local Republican party -- to take some responsibility for her party's/husband's uncivil behavior. Please do it civilly and respectfully- "be the change you want to happen". Roberta's actually pretty reasonable. macglashanr@saccounty.net (916) 874-5491.