I’ve studied enough American history to know that ugliness in political campaigns is nothing new. In our nation’s infancy, signs like these appeared setting the backdrop for the Revolution. Seeing this as the beginnings of a theme as opposed to just a piece of quaint Americana, is disheartening and makes me wonder just what percentage of American colonists really wanted to break from England. What would have been our consequence for not breaking? Would we now suffer through life as the Canadians do? Doesn’t seem that bad. Anyway, the question I wrestle with is why there is so much political intolerance in this country. Here, in the land of the free and the home of the brave I actually had to think twice about putting an Obama bumper-sticker on my car, not because I am ashamed or have doubts about my convictions, but because for the past four years I have decided to keep my mouth shut (for the most part) to avoid the onslaught of heated discussions, debate and sometimes downright rudeness from others who feel comfortable in spewing ugly innuendo half truths with the intensity and conviction of a evangelical preacher. Is this really necessary?
We don’t seem to be able to quietly discuss issues from differing viewpoints. Instead we poke fun at the opposing candidate, making them seem totally idiotic or worst of all, vilifying them. PACs run ads and post ominous signs like the Americans for Prosperity who have large black signs posted here in Greene County adjacent to the Republican candidate sings that read “November is Coming” in bold white letters, as if we’re facing the apocalypse. Why the fear mongering? Are people really that afraid? I’ve heard many folks say the whole election process is too long. I know that by Election Day I will be ready for the whole thing to be over – God willing and the chads don’t hang. I also know who I hope will win. Until then I am willing to sit down and have a cup of coffee or glass of wine with anyone who’d like to chat with me about why they support who they do, as long as they listen politely to me as well.
Humans seem to respond to fear easily. That’s why both parties use it—if we responded differently, they wouldn’t use it. But I agree, it is such a big turn off.