Media Matters for America has outlined how conservative media members have gone on an attack fastbreak against the NBA's Suns, who decided to where their "Los Suns" jerseys to commemorate Cinco de Mayo and protest Arizona's draconian anti-immigration legislation.
Red State Revolution referred to the Phoenix Suns this way: "Los Suns = LOSERS"
Anyone remember all of those conservatives who were crying like sissies when people were critical of the Tea Party protesters? Those who were critical of the Tea Party people were accused of attacking Americans, being intolerant of opposition, suppressing protest and more.
Now, many of these same conservative hypocrites, are the first ones in line to attack the Phoenix Suns in all of the predictable ways.
Here are some samples compiled by Media Matters for America:
Malkin: "[O]pen-borders sympathizing Phoenix Suns." In a May 5 blog post titled, "Los Moochers," Michelle Malkin referred to the Suns as "open-borders sympathiz[ers]," calling the team's move a "stunt." She wrote: "And basketball and baseball fans who support immigration enforcement, national security, and the rule of law should consider taking the proper steps to protect their rights and interests -- by voting with their feet and refusing to do business with open-borders sports organizations. Perhaps Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver should stop shoving politics down his ticket-buyers' throats, mind his own business -- and stop using our taxpayers dollars to keep him afloat." She concluded: "New uniform proposal: Los Moochers. If the shirt fits..."
Allahpundit suggests Suns are "responsible" for this "climate of hate." In a May 4 post on HotAir, Allahpundit called Sarver a "tool," writing: "First, shouldn't 'Los Suns' be 'Los Sols'? Second, if this tool wants his team dudded out in protest gear, it's his dime, but I wonder how smart of a marketing strategy it is to make a show of opposing a law favored by 60 percent of the public. Amnesty shills will love it but a larger number of amnesty opponents will hate it, and a swath of people in the middle will wonder why they're being treated to political propaganda when all they want to do is watch hoops." He concluded: "Since 'Los Suns' feel comfortable injecting politics into sports, I'm going to feel comfortable injecting this story into this post: Earlier today, Jan Brewer got an envelope filled with white powder from some unknown member of the Lords of Progress. Exit question: Who's responsible for this 'climate of hate'?"
Red State Revolution: "[W]hat the hell are the Phoenix Suns thinking?" In a May 4 post titled, "Los Suns = LOSERS," the blog Red State Revolution wrote: "[W]hat the hell are the Phoenix Suns thinking? I am 100 percent positive about the following, the players and owner know nothing of what I just wrote and have not read one page of the Arizona bill! Most importantly any professional sports team is fan supported, the Suns just decided to go against what 70% of Arizonans approved! Whoops, that means you pretty much just pissed off 70% of your fan base, because of your decision and lack of knowledge. What smart business model did this decision come from." The post concluded: "Just because you have athletic skills DOES NOT MAKE YOU SMART! Just because you have money DOES NOT MAKE YOU SMART!"
In other words, it is OK for conservatives (Tea Party protesters) to attack President Obama and liberal politicians, but many of those same conservatives feel it is wrong for the Phoenix Suns to protest.
Conservatives cried like babies when Tea Party people were called out for their racist minority and for condoning that racism. Now, many of these same conservatives are badmouthing the Suns for exercising their rights.
Conservatives are falsely implying that those who are against this dangerous legislation are for essentially opening the borders and letting all people into the country.
Such a suggestion is ridiculous.
I commend the Phoenix Suns for this protest and hope more professional organizations and athletes take this lead.
This dangerous xenophobia needs to be halted.
Media Matters for America:
http://mediamatters.org/research/201005050045
