I've been thinking lately about one of the most heard meme's from the many Right-Wingers that I've talked too about Bush over the past two years. If any of you put yourself through this kind of self-immolation very often you are probably familiar with the way things go- you present the facts and the opposition counters with an outright lie, changes the subject or goes personal ("You're just a weak, liberal asshole").
Probably the most used method of changing topics or denying reality is this:
"You just hate Bush. There is a lot of you, Bush Haters. You just hate the guy because he's a man of faith and he's from Texas!"
Now, consider the past few weeks and the slander from the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth. Consider the constant spinning of Kerry quotes (i.e. "voted for, then against", "sensitive", ect.). Consider Right-Wing punditry for.. ohh, say the past decade but especially since 9/11. Finally, figure in the Republican National Convention this week.
What is hatred?
The media, just like my Right-Wing "friends" have no problem pushing the idea of Bush Haters despite all the evidence to the contrary. I don't think you can watch Fox for an hour without hearing the term (especially during their constant hours of editorial "talking point" programming they peddle as news). Dean was bashed during the primaries for his percieved "anger" and "hatred". The protestors in NYC this week were painted up as "haters" while hatred poured off the stage inside MSG.
Have you ever heard a pundit or anchor use the term "Kerry Haters"? I haven't. You can get away with critizing and outright lieing about Kerry and it's considered his fucking fault! "Hey! He served in Vietnam and put his life on the line therefore it's fine for me to say he lied about it!" the Republican argues (if you can seriously consider this an argument).
Maybe some of you don't think this is that big a deal but I see it as another step in the crowning of the exectutive as King. Opposition isn't justified. It's hatred. It's treason.