In recent weeks Catholic Democrats of Alabama have received a few emails from supporters of Senator John McCain that reflect a true glimpse of the culture of fear that exist in the GOP.

In Alabama we are no strangers to the ugly manifestations of hate, fear, prejudice and racism. Unfortunatley,our history is never that far behind us.

However, the most disturbing fact about these emails is that they are being sent not by bitter old bigots in their 70's or 80's but by young evangelicals in their early 20's. One email from a 22 year old young man from Birmingham Al. writes: "There are a few things that turn me against Obama. I think he's somewhat more hype than substance. I'm far from a racist but...."

He then goes on to explain that because of the perception among many white conservatives about African American leaders such as Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton that America is not ready for an African-American President.

However, the writer never addresses nor defines his argument/statement that Senator Obama is more hype than substance.

The conflict within this young man is evident. He does not want to be viewed as a close minded angry racist. He knows that this is wrong. That racism is evil. That bigotry is neither moral nor Christian. He knows this deep within his heart. However, this young man is a by product of the culture of fear that the GOP have carefully cultivated for years in the United States to win elections and move forward their agenda of power and greed.

The most disturbing email we have received is from a 20 year old whom I discovered (through the powers of Google) is a young evangelical musician that plays in very popular Christian Rock band that performs concerts around the country. He became aware of our organization when an email I had sent out concerning John McCain's comments about a lack of respect for community organizers was forwarded to him. The following quotes are yet more examples of the culture of fear.

ur an idiot. period. Obama is the anti-Christ.

Obama SUCKS!!!! He will be the fall of all freedom in the United States. Go to hell.

I was astounded by this email. I asked the young man: "Do you really believe this? How did you come to this conclusion?" I got the following reply:

Are you kidding me??? All that nigger Muslim does is talk trash about Bush and the republicans. I can't believe that you are going to help this man ruin the United States. The first thing he is gonna do is pull the troops out of Iraq and then they're gonna come over here and start bombing us. I pray to God every day that he does not get elected.

I sat at my computer in utter shock. I could not believe the amount hate and fear within this young man. I offered in reply a simple...peace be with you.

The next reply from the young man was even more disturbing. He wrote: "ur catholic....what do you know about God. The anti-Christ will come out of the catholic religion. OOOOHHHH Hail Mary!!! ur a moron....."

It is worth noting that in response I informed the young man about the Catholic Church and its origins. And that I guess that statement blew a hole in his theory that Obama is the anti-Christ because Obama is not Catholic. According to his earlier email Obama was Muslim. Right? I think we can see pattern of intolerance not only against certain political ideals but intolerance and prejudice against the Catholic Church. This is not only sad but disturbing.

Truly, it is hard to believe that in 2008 that there are young people in America that have this mindset. My realization, my epiphany is that these young people are the blooms of a culture of hate, fear, prejudice and cynicism. These young adults have heard this kind of talk everyday of their lives. Often they here this language from their parents and grandparents and other trusted adults such as teachers, coaches, ministers, talk radio hosts and yes...politicians.

John McCain and Governor Palin are setting a new low in presidential politics with their dishonorable campaign. Some of the comments by McCain supporters are not things for the faint-hearted. At a campaign rally in Ohio with Sarah Palin, one supporter makes the clearly racist remark that "Obama has the bloodlines of a terrorist!"

At another rally, a McCain supporter called out "kill him"(so much for pro-life).

This is how evil spreads, from domestic violence to genocide. People in a position to stop it choose to do nothing.

Everything we need to know about John McCain and Sarah Palin is summed up by their reaction to these incidents. Not only do they bring out the worst in people, but they feed the worst in people. They are basing their campaign on painting Barack Obama as a terrorist and monster. They are cultivating prejudice, racism, fear and ugliness. America has been down this path before, and it is the exact opposite of what this country needs right now. It is not only disappointing. It is wrong.

As Catholics, this is a time for us more than ever to turn to the comfort of our faith and prayer. We need to respond to this hatred with love. We need to seek strength from prayer - the Daily Office, the Rosary and, above all, Holy Mass - and from meditation on Scripture and the spiritual works of the Church Fathers.

It is likely to get worse in the coming days. But the answer is always to return hate with love.

Mark Reynolds
State Director Catholic Democrats of Alabama