Benj, What is wrong with the quote? What is wrong with the notion that “We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty and sincerity and dignity,” that would cause you to doubt the intent of the speaker?

If you insist upon tarring the meaning of the words, by invoking the words of the author in a totally different context, in a time when such speech while sometimes insulting was yet viewed in light of meaning and not in light of a convenient sound bite.

Pegler one a Pulitzer for reporting on Illegal Union Activities, and after praising the Roosevelt attacked them for fascistic tendencies. Calling European Fascism what it was, and witnessing the hiss of the snake, opposing segregation in sports. All of his stances were consistent with his internal nemesis. He is not a monster, though his words even then could be monstrous.

Much much worse has been said about me, and with intent too.