Why rednecks may rule the world (Joe Bageant)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Joe Bageant
Author of Deerhunting With Jesus


During this US election cycle we are hearing a lot from the pundits and candidates about "heartland voters," and "white working class voters."

What they are talking about are rednecks. But in their political correctness, media types cannot bring themselves to utter the word "redneck." So I'll say it for them: redneck-redneck-redneck-redneck.

The fact is that we American rednecks embrace the term in a sort of proud defiance. To us, the term redneck indicates a culture we were born in and enjoy. So I find it very interesting that politically correct people have taken it upon themselves to protect us from what has come to be one of our own warm and light hearted terms for one another.

On the other hand, I can quite imagine their concern, given what's at stake in the upcoming election. We represent at least a third of all voters and no US president has ever been elected without our support.
***
more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7600000/7600592.stm

[buff2]

1. They WANT to rule the world

and the last 8 years have proven they ARE.Just look at what their stupidity in voting has caused. It's unforgivable. :puke:

[trthnd4jstc]

3. What is different between Liberals, and Fascists?

Liberals believe in everyones' right to be free. Fascists believe they know what is good for everyone else.

[Demeter]

2. Some People Only Know How to Trash the World

Don't let them run it.

[trthnd4jstc]

4. I agree. I would love to see government funding of General Elections, and.....

The option to incumbents that they may choose between being a lobbyist, or receiving their congressional pensions.

[Demeter]

5. That's a GREAT Idea!

It would be interesting to see which one a retiring politico picks.

[Stardust]

6. K&R.

[judasdisney]

7. When we tried to warn you "non-rednecks" about this, during the 70s & 80s, you scoffed & ridiculed &

called us "alarmist". And "conspiracy theorist". And "silly". And "goofy".

There's a military coup a-comin'. Are you going to listen? We have a U.S. Ergenekon Network combined with the Klansmen's "Old Boy Network" of the Old South.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergenekon_network

Are you going to listen to Sibel Edmonds?

Are you going to look outside the U.S. at Chile 1973, Argentina 1976, Turkey 2009?

It can't happen here.

Enjoy, dumbfucks.

[crimsonblue]

8. rednecks aren't smart enough to plan a coup.

n/t.

[judasdisney]

9. Four obvious replies

(1) The coup is already underway. Did you miss 12/12/00, 9/11/01, and 11/04/04? Not to mention FISA votes and Supreme Court Justice confirmations?

(2) "Rednecks" are the "Populist"-Friendly Frontmen of the coup. During the past 8 years, did you believe that Bush was in charge?

(3) Is there a difference between "Mayberry Machiavellis" and "Northeast Machiavellis" if the Democrats are such broken pussies that we capitulate to every fascist demand?

(4) "Rednecks" don't have to be smart. All they require is that Democrats remain stupid, weak, capitulating, and full of self-satisfied snark & ridicule.

[Demit]

10. Joe Bageant speaks the truth. And it's scary as all get-out.

There's always been an anti-intellectual strain in this country. I grew up amongst people who would jeer at you for being 'too smart'. I learned to use a string of simple words so I could avoid saying the one that actually perfectly described what I was saying, but was multisyllabic, so I wouldn't appear to think myself 'better than' them.

Journalists are now openly poking fun at people who are smart. They avoid describing policy positions, claiming that's too dull, or it's too much trouble for them to understand. Al Gore was roundly derided for being a policy 'wonk'. I often wonder if there is an organized effort to dumb us down, as a people. Dumb people being easier to control. Scary shit.

[eleny]

11. I read his book "Deer Hunting with Jesus" and it made some things more clear

[catbyte]

12. What I can't figure out

is how we got both stupid AND narcissistic. It seems to have caught on with Reagan, but this whole "S/he's just like me, I'll vote for him/her" kick really caught on in 2000 with the "who'd you like to have a beer with?" People are voting for politicians based on who is most like them? What the hell? Right, Joe Sixpack is qualified to be President. There was a time when people actually voted for person that they thought was the most competent, not who they could "relate" to. I want the smartest person in the room to be President, thank you very much!!!! Arrogance and ignorance is indeed a disastrous combination.

Diane