Mon 20 Oct 2008
Whither a Divided America?
Posted by shelbinator under Culture, Politics, Scary, Weirdos, YouTube and such
Last weekend I was feeling election fatigued — even partisanship fatigued. I was nauseated by most of the things I saw going on at McCain-Palin rallies, from their lunatic fringe of bigots to their core message that people like me aren’t “pro-American” enough. But I also knew there was plenty of hate coming from the left against the right, particularly against Sarah Palin, easy target though she may be. So this is what I whipped up for my Street Team video commentary:
I’m not so sure I’m feeling that warm and fuzzy anymore, but since the other side does have most of the guns, I guess I’ll keep an open mind to playing nice.
Read more filed under Culture, Politics, Scary, Weirdos, YouTube and such
October 21st, 2008 at 4:55 pm
I also grow weary of it all. However, one thing worth noting is that I’m totally opposed to this notion that “both sides are playing dirty.” It ties into the media wanting to keep everything balanced. So they are constantly doing the whole “on the one hand, on the other hand” bit.
Problem is, it’s downright ludicrous when they say things like “Obama’s campaign called McCain erratic, and McCain’s campaign called Obama a friend of terrorists.”
Um, hello? THOSE TWO THINGS ARE NOT EQUAL. It’s like saying neither side is playing nice when one side is lobbing ping-pong balls over the net and the other side is lobbing rocket-propelled grenades. They are simply not comparable, and somebody needs to say so. But the media is so determined to be “balanced” that they keep coming out with all these “both sides are getting nasty” proclamations. It’s just plain dumb.
This isn’t a criticism of Shelby’s post, but Shelby’s post made me think of it. Anyway, that’s all.
October 21st, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Also, I’d just like to say that any criticisms from the left about Sara Palin are completely warranted, and she is fair game, so let’s not get too lily-livered about the whole thing. If Obama had picked a running mate even half as dim-witted as Palin, the GOP would have been foaming at the mouth. Why should we treat her with kid gloves? She’s playing in the big leagues now, whether or not she’s ready for it (and we all know she’s not).
October 21st, 2008 at 5:06 pm
I’m all for taking Palin’s own ridiculous statements and fumbled answers and clubbing her over the head with them like she was some kind of moose. But I think one of my Palin-impersonating cohorts has taken the spoofing of Palin on occasion to a completely fabricated and insulting level. One I laugh heartily at, sure, but if I were a Republican supporter of Palin’s I would pretty much want to punch liberals in the snout over it. That’s all I’m sayin’.
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
This is one of my main concerns during this election cycle.I haven’t watched Split: A Divided America or read Noonan’s book yet, although I plan to do so at some point.
Racism has always been a divisive issue in this country and throughout the world (in some form or another). Now we have to throw in elitism/anti-intellectualism/anti-culturalism (suburban/urban—yeah, just made title up). I absolutely hate it, but the optimist in me will continue to work to breakdown barriers one person at a time, while people stare ot even call me names. (yeah, people still say some hateful stuff. Loud and ignorant people)
Still makes me sad. Also makes me cringe. I hate it. I absolutely hate that we are still having to talk about this while there is so much going on that is far more pressing (war, poverty, hungry children,etc.) Just seems stupid.
Okay…I can breathe now…