I’m sitting here at my computer with CNN Live. Cindy McCain just finished, the video has finished, John McCain is up next.
I had thought I wouldn’t get involved politically on my blog… Twitter… Blogs… There’s something I’m seeing that I find disturbing. The venom. The absolute venom shot at people of a different party than you. Venom at the the candidates of a different party than you. Venom shot at families. Attack their stance on the issues that matter to you… Challenge that. I think that’s necessary as a citizen, and also an exercise in articulating your own beliefs for the next time you’re asked to expound on your beliefs.
Attacking the hair? Attacking pronunciations of a spouse? Creating drinking games? Making fun of people? All the way down to the music? It’s not just in the Net either… I’m afraid to add a bumper sticker to my car. My car would be keyed in the parking lot for it at work. I’m not kidding, and I’m not exaggerating.
I have – not once – made fun of anyone in the other party than myself. Not once. Not even alone, with my husband, when no one can hear me. I’ve certainly discussed issues with him as I do my research in order to make the best decision for myself and my family with my vote.
So far, one person seems to be doing it respectfully, that I’ve noticed. I’d like to call out Erin Kotecki Vest. While she is a staunch supporter of Obama, in issues regarding the RNC, and McCain, she’s kept it fair, observational, and about the issues. Even when she’s freakin’ out about something that drives her nuts on a personal level – say on Twitter, or somewhere – she’s never been derogatory. You know what, Erin? You have my utmost respect. We don’t agree on a whole heck of a lot politically – but you know how to disagree with class, style, and education on your stance.
Something else. These two men – both of them – are running for President of the United States of America. That commands respect. Regardless of who wins the election, the man who actually holds the office, the office itself commands respect. Barack Obama or John McCain will be the leader of your country. That commands respect. You hate Bush? I don’t care. Take issue with his record – fine. The office commands respect. You hated any of the previous Presidents? I don’t care. The office commands respect. Hold yourself accountable to your words and actions. Maybe that will trickle up.
I know that you might think I’m a right wing, religious fanatic whack job. I suppose that’s ok. I just think you’re passionate about your beliefs. You know what? So am I. I don’t deserve to be called names, if I’m not calling them. I don’t deserve to be afraid of saying who I’m voting for.
I am voting for John McCain.
Vote for who you want. It’s a free country. DO your research, first, don’t just fall for the bullshit rhetoric and buzz words. Simple fact: this country is a MESS. The Republicans made it that way. THEY won’t fix it.
They lie. Why make fun of Palin? Because almost everything she said last night? Was a LIE. Almost everything Romney said? Was a LIE.
I cannot abide liars. Do the fact check. THEN vote for McCain. But don’t stick your head in the sand, vote and then wonder why this country has gone to hell in a handbasket.
I am mad? yes, I am mad. If you are NOT mad, you haven’t been paying attention.
T@SendChocolates last blog post..We Interrupt This Blog For An Important Announcement
I feel like a write in vote for Hillary at this point…
ThatGirls last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: 1st Day of Pre-K
I’m going to be honest, this post just made me cry. You see, this has been a journey for me. A very hard one. I started off very venom filled, and I was throwing snark and nastiness with the best. And from time to time I STILL cross that line. But I have learned, with the help of MANY (Denise Tanton at blogher is someone in particular) that there is certainly no community in being that way, and no one learns anything or gets anywhere.
I’d be remiss if I also didn’t mention that I’m taking cues from my candidate. But…politics aside…it’s also because I’ve seen women engage in this election because they want to talk in a respectful manner and not be afraid to express their opinion.
Nothing in this world is ever going to get done if we’re all mean. I was too cynical to buy that months ago…I’m not now. It works. It really, really works.
Erins last blog post..I
“The office commands respect.” ~ Thank you! ~ I learned this lesson years ago, and it has helped me immensely.
When we try to tear others down, all we do is tear ourselves down with them. We can be strong in our own beliefs and disagree with others without slamming them.
“Hold yourself accountable to your words and actions. Maybe that will trickle up.” ~ Awesome. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Let’s all go for it together. 🙂
mousewordss last blog post..Running
Bravo.
I am most likely not voting for McCain, but I listened to him speak tonight and was moved and humbled. I appreciated his words. Why? Because he was respectful. You make an excellent point. Thanks for writing this.
Mr Ladys last blog post..Denver DNC Recap: The Important Stuff Part Three
I agree with you 100%-that is why I only comment on other peoples political posts. I’m not scared but more I just don’t want to get into the debate. I appreciate your honesty and politeness.
And I’m voting McCain/Palin, too.
Headless Moms last blog post..Just Curious-School Volunteering
(Preface: I mean this question, and this comment with all due respect, truly.)
What about the venom that was spouted at the Republic National Convention this week? The venom, loud and audible and tangibly spouted by Republic Party members, the Vice-Presidential Candidate herself, and those who support them both?
That was what has vexed me to no end this week: the blatant lack of respect for Obama as a man, a leader, and as a viable presidential candidate, and yet I’ve seen countless Republicans attempt to play the victim card while plenty of Republicans, and especially those at the convention, and speaking FOR the convention, attacked Obama and Democrats in general.
When Rudy Giuliani was addressing the audience, he bitterly laughed, and got the audience to laugh with him, at Obama’s “lack of experience,” while simultaneously touting Sarah Palin’s “executive experience,” though she’s been in politics for far less time, and in far less profound capacities than Barack Obama and Joe Biden. It was stated on more than one occasion that Palin “has more experience than the entire Democratic ticket combined,” which is a blatant lie.
It was honestly so upsetting for me to watch the RNC because of that. Because of the belittling, the arrogance, and the very specific, personal, attacks, all happening while each speaker was denouncing the “liberal media” for “attacking” Palin, and her daughter’s teenage pregnancy. All while Obama has not said one disparaging word about Palin’s personal life, nor her daughter’s.
You are surely free to vote your agenda, and your party’s, just as I am free to vote mine. We are both also free to say what we think about all of it, for better or for worse. That’s what this country that John McCain–whose own particular style of profanity-laden venom has been quoted myriad times by the media and friends and co-politicians alike–so proudly believes in and will fight for is all about. FREEDOM. To say what you want, when you want to.
I’m just so tired of the double standards, the hypocrisy, and the doublespeak that so profoundly characterized the Republican National Convention and your chosen presidential candidate this week.
Kerri Annes last blog post..Portrait Of A Road-Tripping Threesome
+10
Its not possible for me to adequately convey my appreciation and respect for this post.
At the end of the day we all want what we believe to be the best solutions to the problems that face our world.
None of us corner the market on infalibility – the moment we allow our passionate disagreement over issues to become a dogmatic assertion that only the morally bankrupt can hold a position counter to our own – we all lose.
marcos last blog post..Poor friendfeed peeps – am running upstairs to temporarily disconnect twitter feed from my account – sorry 4 all the tweets ff’s! (via Twitter)
I have always said that it doesn’t matter who you vote for.
Just vote your heart and vote your mind.
Nicoles last blog post..Overheard
Bless you!
I recently joined twitter. I am 52 and somehow I am following almost entirely 30ish females and, I tell you – since the politics has fired up, I am so disheartened. It has been like “Mean Girls”.
I agree with everything you so eloquently said. Thank you for speaking out.
btw, me too!
Candys last blog post..Abandoned