The Obama Assassination Attempt Reminds Us: Vote With Reason ...
...And Not Hatred
While an actual attempt on Barack Obama's life was not carried out, the knowledge that two self-proclaimed skinheads (one affiliated with Supreme White Alliance*) had outlined a plan to kill him and as many African Americans as they could is a chilling indictment of the hatred that still resides in this country.
Think of it: at no time in recent history has an election year been as contentious and vicious. Local, state and Federal campaigns across the country have focused on character assassination and smear tactics while bribery, corruption, lies and cronyism along with every other horrendous trait of dirty politics is left to be discovered by journalists and bloggers.
We've seen "family values" campaigns using blackmail and intimidation. We've witnessed candidates like Sarah Palin continuing to use fear of the unknown and wild accusations. We've viewed religious clergy openly attacking candidates and policies from the pulpit. And we've experienced just how expensive it is for a party to campaign - even down to a candidate's clothing allowance.
Mob mentality has begun to creep into our democracy. Early voters are being aggressively harassed.
* I realize that flippancy at this point would be distasteful, but I can't resist passing on this comment made in the blog of The Southern Poverty Law Center: "Oh wow. I thought the “Supreme White Alliance” was a bunch of drag queens who worshipped Diana Ross." LOL!
While an actual attempt on Barack Obama's life was not carried out, the knowledge that two self-proclaimed skinheads (one affiliated with Supreme White Alliance*) had outlined a plan to kill him and as many African Americans as they could is a chilling indictment of the hatred that still resides in this country.Think of it: at no time in recent history has an election year been as contentious and vicious. Local, state and Federal campaigns across the country have focused on character assassination and smear tactics while bribery, corruption, lies and cronyism along with every other horrendous trait of dirty politics is left to be discovered by journalists and bloggers.
We've seen "family values" campaigns using blackmail and intimidation. We've witnessed candidates like Sarah Palin continuing to use fear of the unknown and wild accusations. We've viewed religious clergy openly attacking candidates and policies from the pulpit. And we've experienced just how expensive it is for a party to campaign - even down to a candidate's clothing allowance.
Mob mentality has begun to creep into our democracy. Early voters are being aggressively harassed.
When the energy (and possible violence) of November 4th dies down,
the symptoms of all the anger will not.
Just a thought.
the symptoms of all the anger will not.
Just a thought.
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