Enough is Enough…From Both Sides
Earlier in the day, I was reading a post from Queen of Spain’s blog entitled Enough is Enough. It refers to a rally given in Florida where Sarah Palin puts on her attack gloves. Just like any other rally, the audience was pumped on adrenaline. However, this audience took things a step farther. Members of the audience used racial epithets toward the media staff, loud “boos” could be heard, and at one point, a man shouted “Kill him!” A remark that was pointed toward Barack Obama.
I agree with Queen of Spain (Erin) that is type of behavior is absolutely unacceptable, but she is forgetting a few things.
First, John McCain and Sarah Palin are not the ones who are making these actions and should not have this level of blame thrust at them. It is those lunatic supporters who believe that all those who don’t share their exact views must be cast from the earth. Now saying this, I do believe that McCain/Palin do need to calm down on attacking that incites people on this level, and, second, they need to ask supporters who behave like this to disassociate themselves from their campaign.
Second, the solution isn’t to run over to the other political party. While it might not have been at a Obama rally, McCain has had his share of this too. Here’s just one example of no doubt many you can find that uses the same logic as the person at the McCain/Palin rally. Why isn’t a big deal made about comments such as these? (Note: I am not saying one comment is better/worse then the other. Simply that very negative comments have been made.)
Here’s the truth: both parties have supporters that are responsible for making comments such as these. The solution shouldn’t be to attack the candidates over these supporters, but to call these supporters out. We all, including both candidates, need to make it clear that this type of behavior is in no form or way allowed. If they want to carry on exercising their free speech, they need to move away from the campaigns.
While we are on the topic, even Twitter needs to settle down on the hatred. I can no longer bare to watch my Tweet stream during political events due to the smears made toward both candidates. Can’t we simply agree to disagree instead of making disgusting remarks? I am not saying that you can’t support your candidate or express yourself, but a little class would be nice.
A little class is all I ask.
Hello There,
Good post. I agree with you as far as ‘class’ goes. I think that it says something when the two parties and their supporters are on the constant attack with the opposition - I sometimes think that if the party that they support so much is so great (or in their opinion is so much better)- why do they feel the need to point out all of the negatives of the opposition - its nearly as if there is not enough good to be said about their party - so they have to revert to commenting or bad mouthing the opponent.
Regards,
Noel Harrison