In my ongoing pledge to GRAB A MOP, I bring you this . . .
In Pennsylvania's 6th congressional district, where Democrat Manan Trivedi is challenging Rep. Jim Gerlach (R), the Republican's campaign is painting Trivedi as a far left-winger and has said Trivedi "doesn't share our values."
~snip~
"What we are saying is that Trivedi is a far-left fringe candidate who does not share the common-sense values of the taxpayers, families or seniors of the 6th district," said Gerlach campaign spokesman Mark Campbell.
"The only one who has played the race card here is him, by going to Indian-American groups to raise money," said Campbell.
thehill.com
Bold text added by the diarist
So what are common sense values in the Pennsylvania's 6th district? I guess in Congressman Gerlach's spokesperson Mark Campbell would say being white while running for office would be one.
This is what a DOG WHISTLE sounds like, one designed to create fear of the "other", and we should fight against it . . .
More below the fold.
Crossposted at The Progressive Electorate.com
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Now, regarding my diary yesterday titled No more META, no more handwringing, time to kick @$$. What I really mean is it is time to grab a mop, and that means YOU!. Ask yourself, what have I done to push for more progress? What have I done to advocate for greater change and equality? And most importantly, what can I do to achieve the goals I want met?
What I am saying, dear readers, is to ask not what Obama and the Democrats have yet to do for you, ask what you can do for your country!
And what I will be doing is kicking Republican butt, the same Republicans who wrecked this place in the first place. Anyone who wants to join me can email me or follow me on twitter for more info.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled de-programming . . .
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How dare Manan Trivedi, who is Indian-American and an Iraqi war vet, raise campaign money from Indian-American groups! Manan doesn't look like you (assuming you are white), so clearly he doesn't share your values, or something . . .
But when Republican House Representative Jim Gerlach, who happens to be white (I know, what are the odds of a Republican politician being white?) raises money from his white supporters, well, now that is common sense.
If this has shades of "a racist who hates white people and white culture" to it, it should, because it is based off of the same old "Southern" strategy that the right has been using for years, only now, if you aren't in the south you can use the new expanded "50 state southern strategy", where you can transform latinos, indian americans and muslims and any other non whites into the Willie Horton you've always wanted to run against! (available only in Republican Red)
You see, to the Republican "we are always the only victim" mindset, common sense dictates that a non white person has no business running for office or seeking the support of other non white people, or building a mosque or eating at a segregated lunch counter. All of those things equal THE RACE CARD. Besides, those rights have been reserved for the kind of people who share Republican "common sense" values (like being born white).
Of course, this bullcrap will allow Jim Gerlach to avoid talking about the GOP's economic record (FAIL) or their ideas on civil rights (more FAIL) or the GOP record on deficts (created by GOP war profiteering and tax cuts for rich people who don't need them), in fact, with this strategy of "He doesn't share our values" (like torture or opposing religious freedom for non christians), a Republican NEVER has to run on the reality of their failed ideology, and that is just okay with them.
But not with me.
Because this kind of thing is really just a loud DOG WHISTLE for rightwingers who have been trained to perk their ears up at signs of "The Other", and whether it is a brown person, a non christian, Teh Gay or just someone who apears "not to share our values", you can be sure that rightwingers and those who harbor prejudice will always side with "their kind", and that is just what Jim Gerlach is counting on. He doesn't need ideas to create jobs or make things better, he can just scare you into voting for him with fear of the other. Naturally.
You see, who needs things like policies when we can just agree to hate and be afraid of people who aren't exactly like us!
But that doesn't work on me, or on many open minded people like me. We see past petty differences, and we like details and policy. For a peek into the policy proposals of Manan Trivedi, just check out his campaign issues page.
The Strength of a Healthy America
The United States spends more on healthcare than any other nation in the world, yet nearly 50 million people are without...
A Focus on the Nation's Future
Between 1969 and 2000, high school completion rates have dropped by 30 percent.
Energy to Grow the Economy
Access to reliable, affordable energy is vital to the success of the United States economy and our global security.
Energizing Job Growth
Fighting for the creation of new jobs and to protecting existing jobs must be our number one priority.
A Leader in the World
The resources we committed to Iraq have hamstrung our efforts to combat terrorism in Afghanistan and around the globe.
Pledging to Protect Social Security
Social Security is a promise made to all generations of Americans — a promise Manan Trivedi intends to keep.
I will say this to you simply, fellow Democrats. Either you are part of the solution or you are part of the problem. Complaining without answers is not helping. You want to help? Grab a Mop.
I'm doing just that, and wiping the smiles off of Republican candidates faces seems a great place to start.
So support Manan Trivedi for congress, and if you can, give a little love his way.
Donate to Manan Trivedi with ActBlue here
You want to win? Good! Let's start by winning some elections.
The alternative is not an option.
I leave you, today, with the same words I left you with yesterday . . .
So what are you waiting for? We've got work to do, and time is running short.
Peace
You can follow me on Twitter @JesseLaGreca