racism...fascism...one last chance

President Carter says that "an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man."

Sara Robinson writes on AlterNet that the fifth and final stage on the path to fascism is when government officials condone and encourage violent groups (such as Teabaggers and Town Hall obstructionists).

Then Ms. Robinson details our last chance to stave off a descent into a fascist state. Her article insists on nonviolence (we must not let them claim to be "innocent" victims), and includes other suggestions. We must make sure the media get the story right--coordinating rapid-response letterwriting to local papers to keep the facts in front of the populace, etc. It is important to support those legislators who do not show fear. Finally, she writes we can shut down the hate talkers by recording their ridiculous words and writing to the advertisers on the shows, quoting the threats and incitements to violence.

Racism, nationalism and fear have often led to fascist regimes. Thuggery is on the rise; we have one last good chance to keep the hatemongers away from the reins of the most powerful country on earth.