oh right
I suspect that the sense of security most Americans feel depends upon there being people who are worse off. Since the American middle class has become a shell of its former self, a whole population of older white people feel that their status and economic security are threatened. Anxiety about economic security is real. Tea Party people truly do have something to be angry about. Back in their day you could comfortably raise children in a big house in a nice neighborhood with a mere high school diploma. Try doing that now.
Instead of recognizing the true cause of their situation: wealth inequality resulting from lack of social safety net, weakened unions, deregulation, and corporate oligarchy, their frustration is channeled toward hating people of Color. And this isn't an overstatement. The tea party movement is fueled entirely by fear that black and brown people are going to be given opportunities that may further jeopardize their status. "Socialism" for example, is a word reappropriated by the corporate cheerleaders who use it as a dog whistle to evoke this fear. Access to Health care may help those who are completely fucked over from becoming slightly less fucked over, and so it must be stopped!
Instead of recognizing the true cause of their situation: wealth inequality resulting from lack of social safety net, weakened unions, deregulation, and corporate oligarchy, their frustration is channeled toward hating people of Color. And this isn't an overstatement. The tea party movement is fueled entirely by fear that black and brown people are going to be given opportunities that may further jeopardize their status. "Socialism" for example, is a word reappropriated by the corporate cheerleaders who use it as a dog whistle to evoke this fear. Access to Health care may help those who are completely fucked over from becoming slightly less fucked over, and so it must be stopped!