Obama: Rush Limbaugh, Lou Dobbs Responsible For Rise In Hate Crimes Against Hispanics

At a fundraiser in Florida Thursday night, Barack Obama accused anti-immigrant crusaders Lou Dobbs and Rush Limbaugh of "ginning things up" to such an extent that there was a rise in hate crimes against Hispanics last year.

"A certain segment has basically been feeding a kind of xenophobia. There's a reason why hate crimes against Hispanic people doubled last year," Obama said. "If you have people like Lou Dobbs and Rush Limbaugh ginning things up, it's not surprising that would happen."

Politico's Jonathan Martin writes that Limbaugh addressed Obama's remarks on his radio show today and said that the remarks hurt his feelings.

"I actually don't believe this. Barack Obama, in my own state, raising money for his presidential campaign called me xenophobic at a fundraiser," Limbaugh said. "I thought this guy was the unity candidate? Calling me a Xenophobe? Responsible for hate crimes? My feelings are hurt here."

Earlier this year, promoting his book "His Panic: Why Americans Fear Hispanics in the U.S.," Geraldo Rivera called Dobbs a "hate-monger" and said "I would not shake his hand because this is a man that's done more damage to the cause of sensible, comprehensive reform than anyone with a microphone."

Comments

[MJ20]

You look at the Republican Party and all you see are pasty faced white guys clinging to what they think America used to be, when the real America is the complete opposite. And they wonder why they are getting their asses kicked in elections. Also, I love how Barack Obama is not afraid of the rightwing blowhards and will pull the idealogical pointy white sheets off their heads so that we can face what is really going on with them head on. Up till now, the Democrats have been running scared of these guys. What Democrat would take these guys on? I haven't seen one up tiil now. It's a new day and it's about time, halleujah. Bravo Sen. Obama. Keep fighting these so-called powers that be so that all of us real Americans can see their true ugliness..

[OsamaBushLadin]

As a life long south side Chicagoan, Obama's home turf, let me tell you that you sir, are a naive fool and don't much about real world or the candidate you love so much.

[foghornleghorny]

Until you provide proof, your comment is disregarded. But then again I had already guessed you were an ignorant authoritarian when I noted your screen name.

[Economation]

"ObamaBushLadin?" Trying to make a statement with that ridiculous name? There are quite a few life long south side Chicagoans who love Obama. The fact that you don't isn't very impressive.

[dizmo4]

Southside of Chicago, is quite a populous area. The fact that one person or a handful of people don't like Obama really doesn't say a whole lot.

[abouttime]

I feel the same way. Seems the anti-immigrnt rantings of Dobbs and others has stirred the hatefull minds of insecure people into actions that contradict rational Christatian ethics and morality. i Quit watching Dobbs along time ago because I viewed him as dangerous and bigoted. Discusions about unfettered immigrigation are valid but Dobbs created a climate where all of our social problems were blamed on anyone who looked like an immigrant. Good for Obama to stand on his principles and denounce these fear mongers for their roles in escalating vilolence against Americans. Thanks Obama for saying it like it IS.

[esther]

I agree abouttime.­..

The reason many Latinos find Lou Dobbs offensive is that he really hasn’t done accurate research into the issue and continues to sprout/(shout) misinformation on a daily basis. If he truly understood the degree of our illegal immigration problem he would then realize that our lovely Asian brothers and sisters are coming here by airplane and choosing not to go back to their homelands. So in a sense, yes he is unfairly targeting Mexicans because there is a physical border in which they cross.

Nobody disagrees with his “securing our borders” premise it’s just the way in which he chooses to discuss the problem.

Btw: My question to Mr. Dobbs would be who is caring for his 30 horses on his estate. Hmmmmmm could it be illegal help which is usually the case in most stables?

[Sparky123]

I see the pasty faces, but where is Karl Rove in the crowd? My guess....w­aiting to be called up for service. If you think HRC's Bobby remark is a problem for the Dems, just wait until the dirt starts flying at Barak. Ms. Clinton is long gone, but Barak remains and will take all of the shit the neo-nuts can dish out. If anything happens to Obama, those of us who have had it should move to Canada. Not the best place in the world, but better than here.

[Breni]

MJ20 - You look at the Republican Party and all you see are pasty faced white guys clinging to what they think America used to be,

**
This sounds like a racist statement to me. 'pasty faced white guys'???

[RedEyes]

First of all, the whole concept of "hate crimes" is flawed. Nobody can know for sure what someone else is thinking. Actions should be punished, not thoughts.

Secondly, "Anti-illegal" does not equal "Anti-Mexican". I live in LA and i lived in San Antonio, and i know plenty of HIspanics who are against illegal immigration. In fact, go to South Texas and take a look at the ethnicity of the Border Patrol agents...a large portion is Hispanic.

As for Obama's comments on Rush Limbaugh and Lou Dobbs...so­unds like par for the course to me. In our society there are 2 things you can accuse people of that will always stick, regardless if they're true or not - calling someone either a racist or a rapist. Look no further than the Duke Lacrosse case for an example of a false rape accusation and the damage it did. The racist slander we see all the time, in fact it has a name, the race card. And it is used everyday in politics.

[Durango]

determining a persons state of mind is an issue in nearly every crime in the USA.

It is the difference between First Degree Murder and Manslaughter.

Or burglery for that matter. Hate crimes are in no way different from any other crime prosecuted in America. Determining intent is necessary.

[RedEyes]

No, the difference between 1st degree Murder and Manslaughter is whether the crime was premedidated or not. That you can try to prove.

Determining intent is necessary for prosecution. That's fine. But i have a problem when different punishments are applied for the same crime. If man A murders B, then the punishment should be for murdering man B, not why man B was murdered. Again actions should be punished, not thoughts.

[Puzzles]

Are you saying that there is no record of comments by Limbaugh and Dobbs that confirm the Obama statement?

[RedEyes]

No, i would never claim to know of any record of either of those guys statements. Do you know one that does confirm Obama's statement? If so, fine. But if someone throws out accusations, they should back them up with facts. You can't prove a negative.

[personalpolitical]

Awwww poor baby LImbaugh. Kiss my ass you racist prick. Calling you xenophobic was putting it nicely.

[Zankee]

There are those that say the "anti-christ" is waiting backstage.­., will his entrance be "welcome".­..or even recognized­...?

[ManhattanMC]

zanker-

'there are those who say'....

that religion is pap for the weak minded.

[Zankee]

Most believe the same of "words"...­.

Also, the that gives the "weak minded" an excuse for their conditon..­.. What's ours...?

[Breni]

Zankee - That's the problem; too many Obama supporters don't know the Bible, or just refuse to consider the warnings the Bible gives us concerning that great DECEIVER and what that means. Too many non-believers, too. Really sad.

[hmmmmmer]

He shouldn't back down from these bullies, they spew their kind of mindless crap daily. There is a reason society should be worried about how the media messes with the minds of those that can't understand reason, believe me, there are a lot of those types out there.

[Rmchairphilo]

I live in Colorado and read both the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News online. Every time there's an article about a crime, all these slope-browed cretins come crawling out of their holes in the ground and start shrilly screeching about illegal immigrants and how they are the downfall of society. It doesn't matter if the perpetrator in the article is an American citizen - the fact that they have an Hispanic surname brings out the trogolodytes. I don't recall this level of vitriol even two years ago, this is some brand-new hatred. I don't know where it comes from, but if we are to blame blow-bag Limbaugh and Dobbs then let's throw Tancredo in there. People are losing their minds. Those who care to use their minds, let's not kid ourselves. Something is happening out ther and to ignore it and allow it to fester could be catastrophic. Racism is evil! Hispanic people are now on the receiving end and let's not ignore it.

[KVB]

Proof?

[Rmchairphilo]

Simple and easy. Go to rockymountainnews.com or denverpost.com and read the comments under any article.

[Zankee]

Aren't we all on the same "Titanic".­..?

[OsamaBushLadin]

You sound like one of the transplant effeminate latte-sipping Californa losers that the real Coloradans despise. I used to hear about them all the time when I was stationed at Ft. Carson.

[Durango]

So you were one of those scumbag wing nuts we ColoradOANS despise?

[Breni]

Rmchairphilo
**
Another enabler for those who break our laws - steal SS#'s, false documentation, partake from social services (welfare, free medical) to which they are not lawfully entitled. Illegal aliens lie, cheat and steal - lie about their status, steal ID's, steal jobs from Americans WHO would do the work if the wages were livable, and steal by using stolen SS#'s and using them to open charge cards. I know - I am a victim of SS# theft; it's so easy to defend law-breakers when it doesn't affect YOU!

Maybe you are one of those who hire these illegals for their cheap labor?

[KVB]

So when is B. Hussein Obama going to show proof that hate crimes against Hispanics doubled? I want to see the numbers.

[personalpolitical]

You dumbass, listen to the news, they have been on the rise for a while. If you weren't so ignorant you would know that. You want numbers? Here are a few if you can pull your head out of your ass long enough to read them:

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), in their March 10, 2008, newsletter, there are now 888 hate groups in the United States, a 48% increase since 2000. Many of them have been formed out of hatred towards immigrants, particularly those of Latino or Hispanic descent. The SPLC quotes FBI statistics noting a 35% increase in hate crimes against people of Hispanic descent between 2003 and 2006. The FBI's experts say that many of these crimes are carried out against people whom the criminals believe, often wrongly, are illegal immigrants. In Kentucky, for example, a teenager who is an American citizen of Latino descent was beaten by the Imperial Klans of America; they are facing a trial now.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/649765/hatred_against_latinos_is_rising_even.html

[Breni]

Oh, just worry about the ILLEGAL immigrants, everybody - just FORGET about all those AMERICANS who are KILLED BY ILLEGALS EVERY DAY - no big deal! Yeah, let's just worry about the possibility of 'hate crimes' against ILLEGAL immigrants; Americans killed by the hands of illegals means nothing to us! Besides, we gotta keep those illegal drugs coming into this country, along with those illegal immigrants and possible terrorists.

And QUIT grouping all 'immigrants' together; either they are LEGAL immigrants or ILLEGAL immigrants - even the LEGAL immigrants DON'T want to be grouped together. Show some respect!

[pedrothemigrant]

commies dont deal in facts; just propoganda

[rainlion]

You're kidding right? Are you honestly trying to deflect the "conversation" by throwing out that nonsense? Are saying you honestly don't believe it's possible that hate crimes against hispanics have increased dramatically over the last several years - ostensibly driven by anti-immigrant rhetoric????

Okay, here's two studies start with... extrapolate the findings for now:

"Anti Defamation League report, released on April 24, 2006 states that white supremacists, skinheads, and other extremist groups are using the immigration debate to incite violence against Latinos, regardless of status, around the country."

"The Southern Poverty Law Center reports that the number of hate groups has risen 30 percent since 2000. Mark Potok, editor of the SPLC's quarterly report on extremist organizations, told USA Today that immigration "has been critical to the growth of the hate movement. (2006)"

[KVB]

Southern Poverty Law Center has no cred. They claim the Minuteman Project is a hate group. They're not.

Still I want to see stats on "White vs. Hispanic" hate crimes.

[Soule23]

And if it is true? Then what? Would it even concern you that hate crimes against Hispanics had doubled?

[KVB]

Let's see B. Hussein Obama shows us the numbers first. He's a presidential candidate, and he's trying to cause divde between whites and Latino.

B. Hussein Obama said, "Doubled", and now he better back it up. I don't think he can.

[Darsan54]

Limbaugh's feelings are hurt!?! OHMIGAWD, is there no end to the horror? Limbaugh a hater? How can anyone accuse this cuddly litte fuzz bear of being a hater? And Dobbs with his continual defense of immigrant rights? Why hasn't someone nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize?

(For all dittoheads and Nielsen families, this is sarcasm.)

[DesertLight]

As was he when he said his feelings are hurt. Apparently the article here didn't outline that for you.

[rudyacuna]

Lou Dobbs is responsible for hate crimes which have risen some 50 percent since the year 2000. The truth be told, the man who incites the lynching is not necessarily the person who puts the noose around the victim's neck. Lou Dobbs comes from a long line of bigoted Texas Republicans from West Texas who are used to waving the confederate flag and bashing Mexicans. After all they kicked their ancestors butt at the Alamo. Dobbs claims that he cannot be a bigot because he is married to a gun toting Mexican American woman who as far as I know has no links the the Latino community. Pretending to be a journalist, Dobbs regularly distorts the the truth to sensationalize his message. What is tragic is that Dobbs puts people in harms way to boost his ratings and his ego. He selects his interviewees -- badgers them and edits their responses. He hardly lets the cameras roll in order to get at the truth. He is the Rush Limbaugh of television. He says he was once a poor boy -- but so was the Jett Rink character in "Giant." Dobbs should at least have the decency to fess up to his motives and that he doesn't care who suffers as long as his rating go up.

[ctmommy]

50%? Where did you read/hear that? Other than from Obama?

[rainlion]

see response Posted 01:08 PM on 05/24/2008

[morbie5]

A 50 percent increase doesn't mean that it doubled. A 100 percent increase is double. I hope you and obama retake high school math before November.

[hypnotoad72]

Was Limbaugh as hateful back when he was doped up on oxycontin?

Some people misconstrue Dobbs too, and those are the ones promoting the racism that results in the thugs beating up everyone perceived to be illegal.

[Superfelo]

Hynowhatever,


Oh, so is the lack of oxycontin that makes him a hate-monger? We perceive him to be
a person full of hate with Oxycontin, and without it. And Lou Dobbs is a demagogic
opportunist, representing the establishment's view. Hitler would say he was miscontrued;
he was just trying to promote the Aryan cause. Wasn't it his wife that was caught with
an illegal gun and got away with it, because of his position as a talking head for the right? These two don't love America, for them it is a job and someone has to do it. Those who subconsciously
feel and know that they are in the wrong need to self-medicate so as not to face reality.
Enough said.

Enough said.

[Zankee]

Suggestion:
Fight fire with fire....

Money is the only weapon available to fight the developing madness...­.
Organize, collect a modest necessary amount from concerned citizens..­..
Put a "reward" and "bounty" for information leading to prosecution of people or entities that work in collusion that serves a treasonist cause....

Bush used the "Deck of Cards" in Iraq.., plus his other numerous "billboard­s"..; "Good for the Goose.., Good for the Gander"

Not an easy task.., what alternativ­es....

[Soule23]

Interesting that Obama accuses these two of hatemongering against Hispanics and the dittoheads come out in force against "illegals.­" Is it just me, or are these guys using the rallying cry for "tough immigration reform" as code for Mexican bashing? That's what it's always seemed like to me, considering that anybody who actually puts time into researching the issue via impartial sources will quickly discover that less than 50% of undocumented workers are Hispanic..­.

[Durango]

There are lots of good reasons to be in favor of reduced immigration. And Immigration Reform.

But RACISM isn't one of them.

Obama is spot on. Limbaugh and Dobbs have been playing racism under the code word "illegals.­"

By marking them as "illegals" they can make up anything or say anything.

try replacing the word "illegal" with the word Jew. See how that sounds?

[grinreaper]

uh oh there go my comments
guess trollvobirknsock is around
good 247 huffhack nazi
gettin ppls comments taken away
when libs get whooped in debate
cya

[OsamaBushLadin]

Sounds like your an antisemite. So you think the words illegal and Jew can be interchaged so easily and are on the same level? Cause that's the only way your arguement is vaild. What a fool you are.

[Driver125]

"I thought this guy was the unity candidate?"

Well, there are one or two exceptions, you miserable tub of goo.

[harriscrl3]

I'm glad someone is holding these people responsible I wish they are laws that they can use to prosecute them. THey think that they can have freedom of speech and then basically yell fire in a crowded theater and get away with it. They should be held repsonsible for the ignorance that they feed people.

Carol

[grinreaper]

good lib fascist
'They should be held repsonsible for the ignorance that they feed people.'
better send all the dems in congress to jail then
been doin it for 50yrs

[Soule23]

There is no such thing as a "lib fascist." That is like calling someone a right-wing commie. Just though that you should be held responsible for your ignorance.

[MGhamma]

When the limborg cries and moans and complains, all the little dittoborg cry and moan and complain too. It's so cute.

[Zankee]

One persons anguish may be another's nectar.., Grasshoppe­r....

[grinreaper]

thats what billys exgirlfriend monica said