Oct 12 2008
How far can it go?
So, I was reading a news story about the campaign rallies of both Obama and McCain. I have to say that I’m really uncomfortable with the idea of “boo”ing the opposing candidate. I don’t think it’s necessarily a BAD thing, I just don’t do it. There’s too much demonization of the opponent in elections and it’s not healthy. WHat’s even less healthy is when the candidate doesn’t tell people (genlty) “Now hold on a moment…let’s give the man/woman respect for being a tough opponent.” or words to that effect.
McCain used to do that. So did Obama.
But as the “gloves come off” the knives come out. I was taken aback at a recent rally with Sarah Palin addressing a crowd, doing the whole “palling around with a terrorist” thing when I heard something that shocked me. Someone (several someones, really) shouted “Treason!” and “Off with his head!” A similar response and hateful rhetoric was evidenced at a McCain rally the other day. I’m struck by the reaction, really, of both Mrs. Palin and Mr. McCain; both smiled, or at least smirked. Sure, the first time it happened, it could be attributed to “he/she didn’t hear the comment” or they weren’t aware that such statements were being made or whatever.
But, unless they’ve been living in a cave they HAVE to know that such comments are being made at their rallies and upon their behalf. It reminds me of another time and another presidential race.
John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon are contending to be the next President of the United States but rumors swirl that Kennedy, the first Catholic to run for the office, is going to give the country over to the Pope. Sure, it seems silly now, but this idea stuck with people for years. Want proof?
JKF was killed by Lee Harvey Oswald a day later.
Hate is a funny thing; the more you allow it to happen, the more you allow people to indulge in mindless, irrational, rabid hate the more they become obsessed with it. The more it lingers in their gut, in their minds, and in their souls. By not stopping the chants and screams, by not admonishing the crowds to settle down, by not chastising the over-zealous, the Republican campaign is essentially endorsing it.
We may disagree. We may dislike and think wrong-headed the policies and positions of the other. We may even refuse to speak to each other. But the more we hate and demonize the other person, the more diminished we become as individuals and as a country. Remember the first ammendment is freedom of speech, but also temper that right with the responsability of restrains and fair-mindedness.
Stumble It!
One thing that shocks me is that people actually believe in these rumpurs without even trying to digg out the Truth for themselves. That is a sad fact in itself.