Sorry, you can't blame this one on politicians. They respond to their constituents--and rarely lead. And if they try to lead their constituents away from bigotry and fear, they often become a profile in courage out of a job. The problem is that Anti-Im's sentiments reflect more than just one person. In the US--and not just in the US--unthinking fear has always--and still is--a big part of the political landscape.   Look at the brilliant successes of Bush's Iraq propaganda campaign (summer 2002 to March 2003) -- and his 2004 campaign.

And bigots (and, it seems, sheep) can--and do--vote.