The Backlash Against Immigrants is Caused by Lack of Social Mobility in the Working Class

[JCMach1]

While not entirely an alien idea to most of you, this is the analysis singer, song-writer, and activist Billy Bragg gave for the rise of folks like the BNP in British politics on BBC's Hartalk (Link below).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sc955

I think his points apply equally well to situations like AZ in the US.

Think about it. Even politicians (and Presidents) from the Democratic party have taken for granted labor and working-class support. Instead, they pushed a 'middle-class' agenda that promoted triangulation as a solution.

Republicans pandered even more to such an agenda. That's what all those Bush checks and tax cuts were about.

Now, especially in manufacturing areas, we are left with few jobs and a declining workforce... i.e. there is no social mobility for people. If anything, there is a downward spiral.

Throw into that mix an economic crisis and people begin pointing fingers. Tea baggers and racist Repugs have taken full-advantage of this.

Until Democrats and the left focus on the issue of social mobility... providing the jobs that can give people the opportunity to shift from working-class to middle-class we will continue to have problems.

Instead, I almost always see Democrats still playing the politics of the suburbs. Instead, we need to consider putting in place policies that are going to give people the opportunity to move-up.

[BlooInBloo]

1. That, and bigots. Millions and millions of bigots.

[JCMach1]

2. Yeah, but I think I saw a poll from the last two days that said 72%

of Americans support a law like Arizona's.

That's way too high to be accounted for by JUST bigotry.

Obviously, even in Britain, there are legitimate racists... Member of groups like BNP and the organized body of the Tea Baggers.

My question though is about those people who would support their policies and in Britain vote for their party in an election.

[BlooInBloo]

3. What percent of America is white?

[xxqqqzme]

4. "...we need to consider putting in place

policies that are going to give people the opportunity to move-up...'

Good luck w/ that. This country is moving in the opposite direction. The elimination of the middle class is the current plan and ultimate. It appears to be working.

[JCMach1]

5. And that's the problem... immigration will continue to be a key wedge issue

One difference from Britain though is that minorities are in enough numbers here to make a difference with a different sort of backlash.

[classysassy]

6. Cubans ( republicans) Mexicans ( democrats)

Cubans are welcome,Mexicans go home.I wonder why?