Earlier this week, the country commemorated the power of words. Now we reflect, again, on the power of words – but to a different effect.
Malcolm X referred to America in 1963 as a “climate of hate.” Here is a handbill passed out in Dallas the day before President Kennedy’s visit. It was authored by someone with a close association to the John Birch Society – a right-wing organization with huge funding from Fred Koch: father of David and Charles Koch. Today, the Koch brothers provide significant funding to the Tea Party.
President Kennedy no more had a previous marriage than President Obama is a Muslim.
No matter.
When you have words pumping a climate of hate, there is no need for a conspiracy. Fear and anger are all that’s required.
Originally published November 22, 2013 in Bitter Lemons.
