Give me one reason while I should have empathy for the Deplorables...

[DonCoquixote]

62. it is one thing to genuinely want to feel empathy

But there is also the fact that, coupled with this, many of Trump's "working class whites" are mixing their class resentment with outright racism, as well as a hatred of any government power. Take Kentucky, a place that actually got millions ensured under Obamacare. However, Mitch McConnell was able to attack it, relying on the sheer age old hate in the culture, that someone is getting something that they do not deserve. Take a look at these articles, especially the vox one.

http://www.kentucky.com/latest-news/article120625648.html

"The percentage of Kentuckians without health insurance fell to 6 percent in 2015 from 15 percent in 2010 under the Affordable Care Act, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Only Nevada, Oregon and California posted larger percentage declines in uninsured. Kentucky now ranks below the national average of 9.4 percent.The department reported that 404,000 Kentuckians gained coverage between 2010 and last year, a number nearly equal to the combined population of Lexington and neighboring Madison County."

but what happens?
http://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2016/12/13/13848794/kentucky-obamacare-trump

"Many expressed frustration that Obamacare plans cost way too much, that premiums and deductibles had spiraled out of control. And part of their anger was wrapped up in the idea that other people were getting even better, even cheaper benefits — and those other people did not deserve the help. "

and what does Mitch McConnell get for in effect screwing over many of the poor whites? He gets to lead the charge to kill it, all the while not getting called out for several other things, like, not reporting Russian mischief.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article119216333.html

So, while I do agree that yes, a lot of white working class have been screwed, and while I could even armchair quarterback and ponder what could have and should have been done, the fact is, a lot of these same working class whites that are getting gilded halos painted upon them always demand one thing with all the help; the ability to say to anyone not them "You do not deserve the help." It is one thing to make sure your relative gets invited to the table, to make sure they get access to all the things they rightfully should have. But when they also demand the right to stab you with their forks, and then say "you do not get food, now go away or I will stab myself and you!", then do not be surprised if many of the people who fought for things like Obamacare look at you and go "really?"

We do want everyone at the table, even and especially the people who, it is true, have not been served, but we will not be expected to smile when after some forks stabs and glasses thrown, WE are expected to go to the kid's table because someone who gets rewarded for temper tantrums is going to get their way, at OUR expense, again.