Has anyone else but me noticed that this Presidential campaign has driven the whole world crazy? It’s more than the endless political ads on television that repeat themselves ad infinitum. It’s more than all the slanted newspaper and magazine stories. No, what I find really distressing are all the hate-filled diatribes being launched from one side to the other. And I’m not just talking about the candidates, although they’re both doing their share. What bothers me is that people who are normally decent, kind, thoughtful individuals are behaving with such hostility towards anyone who doesn’t share their views. All you have to do is peruse a handful of blogs on the Internet to find example after example of mudslinging and viciousness. I keep hearing stories of people whose yard signs are trashed and stolen as soon as they put them up. What does that accomplish? It’s hard to find anyone who simply writes about the merits of their chosen candidate. No, everyone seems to have to need to eviscerate the opposition.
Why? What happened to “tolerance?” What happened to “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it?” And more importantly, do you really think these strident attacks are going to make any difference?
Speaking only for myself, when I hear below-the-belt accusations about my candidate, my gut instinct is to only strengthen my resolution to hold my ground. Maybe I’m alone here. Let’s take a little poll.
All I’m saying here is let’s face the facts. The day after the election there will be two groups of people. One group will be wildly celebrating. The other will feel sick to their stomachs. And all this energy that has gone into tearing each other down will be for nothing.
We’re all human beings doing the best we can. Can’t we all just try for a little civility? It certainly couldn’t hurt.
Nope, you’re not alone Star….I feel the same way. I really hate the venom coming out of people regarding this election, the issues and the candidates. This election has especially been vicious. I’ll be glad when it’s all over.
Polldaddy?! That’s too funny! I didn’t know that was possible.
I think we’re in for some of the longest 12 days of our lives between now and November 4th. But just like a date with the dentist, or major surgery, or (YIKES!) a tax audit, it comes and it goes and we get beyond it. Please God, let us get beyond it.