How Trump’s lies about pet-eating migrants brought misery to Springfield, Ohio

The New York Times ^ | Sept. 20, 2024 3 AM PT | David Wharton and Ben Poston

[E. Pluribus Unum]

• False rumors of Haitian residents eating dogs and cats have thrown the Ohio city into turmoil.
• Daily life, says one resident, has been “turned upside down by such vitriol and ignorance.”
• Some Haitians have already decided to leave Springfield and Ohio altogether.

A disturbing scenario has played out at public schools across Springfield, Ohio, in recent days, with children turned away as they arrive or, worse, rushed out of classrooms, all because of bomb threats.

Parents have struggled to explain to 6- and 7-year-olds what is happening. Some aren’t quite sure about sending their kids back.

“You don’t want to give in to the fear,” said a mother who asked not to be identified to protect her family. “But it’s your children.”

Haitians in this blue-collar city are not the only ones feeling threatened in the wake of false accusations that they are eating their neighbors’ cats and dogs — a claim parroted by former President Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. With Springfield thrust into an angry national debate over immigration, dread has permeated neighborhoods across the city.

State troopers now stand guard outside schools and government buildings. Last weekend, suspected members of the far-right Proud Boys marched through the streets and the Ku Klux Klan distributed hate-filled leaflets. The unease is so pervasive that most residents interviewed by The Times declined to give their names, saying neighbors have been harassed for speaking to the media.

As one woman put it, daily life has been “turned upside down by such vitriol and ignorance.”

[xzins]

👍👍👍

[2nd Amendment]

So where are the memes? I clicked on this to see the pictures! What do you call a greyhound in Springfield? - Fast food!

[Judge Bean]

How many clicks will this nonsense generate?

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Depends on how many times you click on it.

[Judge Bean]

Made you click, ha...

[10mm]

"So where are the memes?"

[FamiliarFace]

I hope that’s not happening here. It may be. We have some “newcomers” but it’s not wholly transparent yet. The next two towns over, yes, so I know it’s heading our way.

[ShawnShawntheLeprecaun]

“The truth is Trump has masterfully drawn attention to something they do not want to have known or addressed.
Well played, Donald. Well played.”

[Maris Crane]

OH SHUT UP YOU RAGING LUNATICS!!!!

[Governor Dinwiddie]

ComputerGuy says "I've never known Haitians to eat dogs."

Then you don't know Haitians. Haitians eat almost any animal they can grab. Like the Chinese,
Haitians believe that tormenting an animal before killing it improves the flavor of the meat.

[Governor Dinwiddie]

Excellent. Five stars!