The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

Opinion

Discussion

November 13, 2008

Obama's election has exposed racism, hate groups

The election of Barack Obama as president of the United States has promoted a lot of pride and energy into our nation’s politics. But, unfortunately, it also has led to the rearing up of some racist and hate groups.

Hate groups are starting to surface, and some of that is happening in Oklahoma. This past week, an Oklahoma woman was allegedly murdered by a Ku Klux Klan group in Louisiana. She had been recruited by this group to start KKK organizations here in Oklahoma.

This particular KKK outfit in Louisiana was so remote, no one had ever heard of it. But this group and others like it are starting to rear their ugly heads.

We expect to hear more about these groups as the United States makes this important transition. While we are horrified at the thought these groups still exist in the United States, the truth is they do and they always have. They’ve just been underground, in the dark.

The only way to fight these groups and their message is to shine light on them. While the realities of what they stand for are horrifying, its important they be ferreted out and exposed for what they are.

This may mean the state of Oklahoma — and other states or regions of the country as well — could be unfairly labeled as racist states. That would be unfortunate.

But the fact is, these hate groups are like cockroaches.

The only way to stamp out this kind of hate is to shine light on it and get it out in the open so people can be educated and law enforcement can take appropriate actions regarding their activities.

Text Only
Opinion
Featured Ads
AP Video
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police "Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
NDN Video
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage Trout's cycle a boost for Angels Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery Shakira's Shocking Talent Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill DWTS Crowns a Winner Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Seasonal Content
House Ads