The Austin Daily Herald critique you printed concerning the petitions to secede was completely ridiculous, overly shrill and showed an utter inability to understand what is actually driving these protests. It is typical of the media to portray conservative protest as unpatriotic, dangerous and very often racist (Tea Party and these petitions), while liberal protest, even when violent, is romanticized and celebrated (OWS).

Similarly, we are already seeing the media lining up to blame the GOP for the possible fall over the fiscal cliff. When conservatives stand their ground they are portrayed as obstructionist and unreasonable, when liberals stand their ground they are principled and heartfelt. Liberals are caring and inclusive, conservatives are driven by hate and exclusion. These portrayals by the media, which your piece echoed perfectly, play a part in the frustration that results in these petitions/protests. The media fawned over and protected President Obama, whose terrible record on the economy, divisive rhetoric, cronyism and authoritarian methods (executive orders, massive regulation) would have spelled doom for any other president seeking re-election. With four more years of this facing us, is it any wonder that some would find some way, any way, to lodge their displeasure?

Peaceful protest is traditionally supported in America, but you chose to brand this particular protest as foolish, dangerous and unpatriotic, simply because you don’t agree with it. Shame on all of you!

 

Mike Bjorgo

Austin