Well, I do research on implicit subconscious racism, which is present in the automatic cognitive processes of just about everyone. And I must say that some of the criticisms of Obama carry some telling flags. By no means all, but when I hear things like 'he's not a real American', 'he's a terrorist', 'he's the first affirmative-action president' (because non-whites only achieve things due to handouts, right?), it sets off alarms.
Fair enough. Can't argue with that, but I still worry about people using some racist/semiracist opposition in order to discredit all opposition.
As for the back end, as with so many of the freakouts these days, I don't see why you're concerned about people wanting a king now when everyone was rushing to hand the last administration our civil liberties in exchange for protection. Where was the fear then?
You're right, I should have been more worried. I wasn't paying enough attention and that was a mistake. Still, though, I don't think that error invalidates my concerns now. The example you cite (giving civil liberties away for "protection" from the government) is symptomatic of the attitude I'm worried about.
To be clear, my concerns are at least as much about society and how people think as they are about the government.
And for the record, I think that the "why weren't you complaining last administration?" argument is pretty weak too.
If the concerns being raised are valid, they're valid regardless of the motives for raising them...IMHO it's better to deal with arguments/concerns directly, instead of dismissing them based on the source.
