Sacramento County Republican leaders Tuesday took down offensive material on their official party Web site that sought to link Sen. Barack Obama to Osama bin Laden and encouraged people to "Waterboard Barack Obama" – material that offended even state GOP leaders...All of this from a "leader" in the republican party. But wait, there's more.
Taking credit for the site (sacramentorepublicans.org) and its content was county party chairman Craig MacGlashan – husband of Sacramento County Supervisor Roberta MacGlashan.
The Bee asked MacGlashan about the content after seeking his reaction to hate-filled graffiti that was spray-painted over an Obama display on a fence at Fair Oaks Boulevard and Garfield Avenue.
In recent weeks, MacGlashan, an attorney, joined local Democratic party officials in condemning vandalism to political displays.
The vandalism to the Obama display appeared to have been done overnight Monday. A racial epithet, profanity, "KKK" and the words "white power" were clearly visible from the roadway. Six of the nine fence panels were defaced.
"What you are describing to me is not free speech, it's vandalism. We don't condone it," MacGlashan said.
But he defended his Web site. "I'm aware of the content," he said. "Some people find it offensive, others do not. I cannot comment on how people interpret things."
MacGlashan said he would "consider people's complaints" before taking any action.
By Tuesday night, much of the questionable material – which ranged from depicting Obama in a turban to attacking Michelle Obama – had been removed, replaced with political cartoons attacking Obama.
The latest newsletter by an Inland Republican women's group depicts Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama surrounded by a watermelon, ribs and a bucket of fried chicken, prompting outrage in political circles.
The October newsletter by the Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated says if Obama is elected his image will appear on food stamps -- instead of dollar bills like other presidents. The statement is followed by an illustration of "Obama Bucks" -- a phony $10 bill featuring Obama's face on a donkey's body, labeled "United States Food Stamps."
The GOP newsletter, which was sent to about 200 members and associates of the group by e-mail and regular mail last week, is drawing harsh criticism from members of the political group, elected leaders, party officials and others as racist.
I challenge any one of the wingnut trolls that frequent this site to characterize these two incidents as anything but overt racism. There is no other way to interpret these, despite the weak protestations of their creators.
It really is quite simple. The bigots in this country are scared. Obama is going to be president. The fact that a black man will be the leader of this country, will represent them, is just too much for them to handle...their masks are slipping, and all the hatred and ugliness that they have hidden behind fake smiles and forced civility are gone.
Obama is a fine politician. There are plenty of reasons to disagree with him over this policy or that...but that is not their problem with him. They oppose him for one reason and one reason only, because he is not white. Just because his skin is not their preferred hue they would vote against their own self interests. Eight more years of neocon policies...that is not in anyone's best interest, even the most stupid among us can see that...but the bigot is blinded by his own hatred instead.
It's sad actually that in this time in history there are still people that hate based on such a superficial reason. Sigh.
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What a jerk! How can people support this guy?
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