By Mrs. Beverly Moore—
The intent of this article is to respond to the opinion, “Why do Conservatives Hate Poor People.” I was taken aback by this brazen title. I thought to myself, “Hate is a very strong word.” It conjures up actions that despise, reject, dismiss, abhor, antagonize, detest, loathe, resent, scorn, and “to look down on contemptuously.” When I examined these definitions of “hate” more closely, I wanted to look at the one in particular, which probably best describes the objective of the writer of the article—“to look down on (poor people) contemptuously.”
I wondered if this is the sentiment shared by all conservatives. Do they really “hate” poor people with such intense passion and extreme aversion? In an attempt to answer these questions, I want to raise awareness of the early relationship between Republicans and those who were born into “lowly” conditions in early America.
Let us take a look at the historically political affiliations of people that were poor and destitute in the 1800’s. Namely, Black Americans, who were categorically impoverished and enslaved. Blacks discovered political sympathizers that were identified as the newly reformed Whigs and Democratic Free Soilers. This union between the two groups formed what we know as the Republican, or Grand Old Party. Its efforts at the time of origin were to limit the expansion of slavery into the northern territories of Nebraska and Kansas , and throughout other northern regions. Their oppositions did not go unnoticed; in fact, they gained attention from many abolitionists and slaves. This energized the Black population, thus mobilizing the majority of Blacks to align themselves with the Republican Party. Mutuality and common ground were formed by this united front.
The Republican Party established itself as a morally conscientious and religiously pious presence in the north; extending its reach into the churches and social networks. In 1868, Republicans looked southward to gain a solid base within the politically unstable south. The party appealed to many who belonged to the socially upward mobile echelon. These white southerners drew distinct racial lines of demarcation when it came to “coloreds” who were embarking upon gaining political status. Their ideology proved to be very influential throughout both political parties. This form of exclusion translated to the disenfranchisement of many Blacks who might have sought increased membership in the Republican Party.
The idea of Conservatism has been around since the 1600’s during Early English Restoration. Although, we have commonly associated conservatism with the Republican Party in the United States. Modern day conservatism as we know it, is steeped in the ideal of maintaining the “traditions of old” as status quo. They have ascended themselves to the dubious position of ensuring freedom and stability in our society. Somewhere between the days of early industrialization of our country, and up until now, something transformative occurred within the Republican Party. The party seemed to have dissolved from one of progression and social conscientiousness in the mid 1800’s; to one that is currently the epicenter of stalemates and obstructions. In retrospect, the early Republicans were probably far more courageous in their campaigns to oppose antagonizing forces than their modern day conservative counterparts.
It is radically distorting to make the assertion that poor people in this country today are “hated” by the {Republican} party that once shared paralleled political positions with people of African descent. Now as for modern day conservatism, their views, although sometimes skewed, have taken a sharp turn to the “right” which may not have been shared by their predecessors. As educators, the messages that we should be sending to our readers of a student newspaper, are ones of positive uplifting; not promulgation that is intended to place blame, demean, and insult. Using the Hilltop Star to atop your soapbox is both disingenuous and exploitive to the progeny that you have been employed to serve.
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