What continues to baffle me is that Republicans can continue to use scapegoating as a cattleprod for the electorate (sorry to mix metaphors...) even though the public supposedly objects. So most Americans believe that gay men and lesbians should treated fairly and equally. Yet the Republicans keep beating the anti-gay drum. Most Americans believe that immigrants should be welcomed into the American family. Yet the Republicans keep baiting that issue, too.
Why? Because the Democrats aren't stopping them!
Legions and legions of people are linked arm and arm with local organizations championing the rights of immigrants and gay folks, who stand together for the real values our nation holds dear. Why aren't the democrats standing with them? Why is it that the public embraces community values the Democrats shy away from? The Republicans are starting to learn that racist, anti-immigrant, fear-mongering tactics don't work. Is it that hard to see our way to a politics of hope and community and mutual connection? What will it take for Democrats to lead us there, instead of standing in the way?
The Democrats need to stop biting their tongue --- or worse, chiming in (connecting "security" and immigration, defending marriage, etc.). The Republicans won't stop bashing gay folks and immigrants and poor people of color until they're stood up to, in the political sphere, face-to-face and stopped! But the politics of isolation and hate will continue to dominate --- until someone is brave enough to stand up for the politics of connection and inclusion instead.
Sally Kohn is the Director of the Movement Vision Lab, where grassroots leaders and activists share and debate ideas for the future. Check out our blog!