because I'm proud to be an American....

Fair enough but consumer groups have exploited the fear factor as well as organized labor both of which have been in the liberal camp so it works for both sides.  Hasn't Gloria Allred used the victim card in many of her well publicized cases?  Lawyers in general make highly publicized cases like this to get THEIR name out there not to promote their political agenda.  Seems like there is a ratio of an attorney for every 5 citizens. Parents encouraged their children to be lawyers and now there are too many of them and only so many government jobs to go around so they result to crap like this to get an edge.  '

As for immigrants taking our jobs that train of thought goes back to the Civil war and caused riots in NYC because of how many Irish had migrated into the country. I don't think that is the relevant argument people are making now.   I think it is more of how American companies are shipping jobs overseas and that does affect peoples lives.  Illegal immigration is a separate problem in that most of these people and their employers are not paying the proper taxes yet use the services we all use everyday putting more of strain on them.  Hey they can stay if they pay that is my thought.  Maybe we need a national and state sales tax not an income tax. 

As for the conservative "ruling class" come live in my state Teaflx you might be surprised.   Our republican governor would give Ted Kennedy a run for his liberal money.

 I think the ultra conservative group you refer to influence the lip service of members of the republican party causing  the slogans you quote but as far as the overall leading party in the country it would be the democrats by far.  They have control of more state legislatures and have far more registered voters.   The religious right or the moral majority hit their highs in the Reagan era and maybe in an odd state or two they hold some sway but not really.