I wish this country wasn't like this...
The blatant racism at the McCain rallies has made me truly sad. I hate to see this horrible part of our country coming out in full force and actually getting the attention of everyday citizens. On the one hand, it's a good way to remind us that this sort of thing DOES still exist, and it's important for us to remember that the fight for equality in this country isn't over. On the other hand, these people should be shunned. Every time their voices are heard, it gives them a power they do not deserve. It truly makes me sad that these people still exist. It makes me sad as an american, it makes me sad as the granddaughter of immigrants, and, frankly, it makes me sad as a human being.
I also have to say, I feel for McCain right now. Many of us liberals (myself included) have to admit that at some point we were supporters of McCain. He was always known for being a moderate (until recent years). And NOTHING in his history suggests that he would EVER support the kind of rhetoric that is being spewed at his rallies.
I believe that McCain is, overall, a good man. I believe he has a good heart and I believe that he does try to do what he thinks is best for this country. He's had a long and respectable career in politics. While I may not always agree with him, I don't believe he is an evil or malicious person. I think that his campaign has been out of his control for some time. I think that the people who are REALLY running his campaign - the folks behind the scenes - have allowed things to happen that McCain himself would never have approved of if he had any authority. And I do hope that, after this election is over, history remembers McCain for the GOOD things he has done for this country, and not for the angry and hateful turn that this campaign took.
Part of me wonders if he even wants to win anymore. I mean, does he really want to win knowing that he won by the votes of people who propagated such racist rhetoric? Hell, at his own rally he took the mic back from a woman, shook his head, and called for his supporters to start treating Obama with the respect he deserves. Clearly McCain isn't happy with the way that these people are behaving.
Please dont take any of this as a statement of support for McCain as president. I am a 100% proud supporter of Obama. This is just me putting aside the politics for a second and thinking about the people - because both Obama and McCain are people first, not politicians. And I may not support McCain's politics, but I do believe he's ultimately a good person.
I hope, if nothing else, that this election reminds us as a nation of how much further we really have to go.
I also have to say, I feel for McCain right now. Many of us liberals (myself included) have to admit that at some point we were supporters of McCain. He was always known for being a moderate (until recent years). And NOTHING in his history suggests that he would EVER support the kind of rhetoric that is being spewed at his rallies.
I believe that McCain is, overall, a good man. I believe he has a good heart and I believe that he does try to do what he thinks is best for this country. He's had a long and respectable career in politics. While I may not always agree with him, I don't believe he is an evil or malicious person. I think that his campaign has been out of his control for some time. I think that the people who are REALLY running his campaign - the folks behind the scenes - have allowed things to happen that McCain himself would never have approved of if he had any authority. And I do hope that, after this election is over, history remembers McCain for the GOOD things he has done for this country, and not for the angry and hateful turn that this campaign took.
Part of me wonders if he even wants to win anymore. I mean, does he really want to win knowing that he won by the votes of people who propagated such racist rhetoric? Hell, at his own rally he took the mic back from a woman, shook his head, and called for his supporters to start treating Obama with the respect he deserves. Clearly McCain isn't happy with the way that these people are behaving.
Please dont take any of this as a statement of support for McCain as president. I am a 100% proud supporter of Obama. This is just me putting aside the politics for a second and thinking about the people - because both Obama and McCain are people first, not politicians. And I may not support McCain's politics, but I do believe he's ultimately a good person.
I hope, if nothing else, that this election reminds us as a nation of how much further we really have to go.