Simon Rosenberg on the "Politics of Intolerance" (9/11/09)

[stacyb2005]

How do you feel after the weekend? You are right about Republican use of intolerance but it isn't turning out as you hoped. Wilson excused himself as 'getting caught up in a town-hall" moment. But given the town-hall fervor is a product of the Republican promotion of intolerance- promoting group anger (i.e. lynch mob) over rational debate (and using lies to do so, 'death panels' 'government takeover') he is in a breath perpetuating the lie of the town hall behavior and validating that behavior.

[jasonlangton]

Simon, well said. Unfortunately im not as optimistic as you are. I dont see the tide turning. Joe Wilson's actions may have reminded progressives, liberals, maybe even some moderates. But to conservatives he is a hero. They encourage his actions and politics further by contributing over $1MM in less than a week to his campaign. I envision more of the same. I hope im wrong.