No one has a monopoly on the truth, and most certainly no one political party or persuasion has a monopoly on the desire to make this country a better place and a more positive force in the world.
But to read without getting angry what is passing these days for discourse on which candidate is more patriotic and who loves America more is becoming harder and harder. First, it is insulting that the discussion of lapel pins or true blue patriotism has eclipsed discussion of an actual war with actual casualties. Second, it is becoming increasingly clear that there are those who are quite willing to make the case that the heritage of Sen. McCain makes him more of an American than Sen. Obama.
Right-wing movie critic Michael Medved recently delved into pop genetics using a radical new theory of evolution (which he of course does not believe in) to explain that white Americans are more American than African-Americans. It might be easy to dismiss such an outwardly racist opinion as an isolated raving were it not echoed in the op-ed pages of the Washington Post by author Kathleen Parker, who devoted several hundred words the other day to making the case that white Americans prefer Sen. McCain because, unlike Sen. Obama, he is a “full-blooded American.â€
Those aren’t even coded racist comments. And unfortunately, they’re examples of the full-frontal assault we’re in for all the way through November.
It doesn’t have to be that way. It’s high time this country saw a news consumer movement and a backlash against the shoddy, hype-driven journalism that’s promulgated across the airwaves.
Every day, we are experiencing the detrimental effects of a faulty product foisted upon us by an increasingly monopolistic industry. The First Amendment, beautiful as it is, only guarantees the rights of the press, not its quality.
Ending this war — which has made this Memorial Day a painful reminder for the families of 4,079 young men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of their country — should be the focus of this election.
Debate over what to do about an economy straining under inflation, job losses and a credit crisis should drown out jingoism and racism rather than the other way around.
The fact that nearly 50 million Americans are without health insurance ought to stand out in a little higher relief than Obama’s middle name.
And certainly, ending poverty should be much higher up on the list of what’s important than ending inheritance taxes for multimillionaires.
Yes, we should be angry at those using language just short of fighting words to distract us, but we should be far angrier at those who presume we’d rather not hear substance and are only looking for entertainment when we pick up a paper or turn on the tube. They’re the ones handing the bomb-throwers the megaphones.
Vigilance on the streets
With the coming of warmer weather, most of us are spending a good deal more time out of doors. Please note that means more pedestrians and bikers on the streets and requires greater diligence on the part of everyone to be more cautious.
Our community has already experienced several sad reminders this year of the consequences of even a moment’s lapse.
Please remember that especially in the downtowns and other areas heavily traversed on foot, vigilance is sometimes a matter of life and death