re: #205 pingjockey

My fiancee’s parents were part of a small Tea Party group that didn’t include any racists, either. But when they showed up to a larger event, there were entire groups that were obviously head-to-toe racists, with placards about Obama being a Kenyan, one sign saying “No ‘reparations’ for health care”, anti-illegal immigration signs, etc.

Since my fiancee’s mom is not white, she didn’t feel so comfy and they left.

I’m sure that there are lots of Tea Party groups without a hint of racism. But at every large meeting, they’re infested with racists, Birchers, and just plain lunatics, and nobody has the moral courage to tell the people with the awful signs to leave. It’s free speech and association taken to the most illogical extreme; respecting free speech doesn’t mean you have to endorse it.

For example, I think that some Israeli policies are counter-productive or wrong-headed. However, I will never join any march or protest against Israeli actions or policies, because i know it will be infested with anti-Semites who aren’t objecting to the policies, but to the Jewishness of Israelis. I won’t lend my presence or voice to support that.