I've been elevated to "whacko" now? I may be flattered.
The reason I'm taking issue with the chaos generated by the Republican ticket more so than the Democratic ticket is not that Obama's saintly presence has cleansed all of his supporters of their nastier natures. The reason I'm taking issue with the Republicans is that their behavior is representative of a trend, a trend that creates a hateful and angry atmosphere that benefits them far more than talking about their broken policies.
If people are going to a Obama's rallies because they hate McCain and want a safe space to sling vitriol, if people are going to a a Biden rally because they want a place where they can safely shout "terrorist!" and "kill McCain!" then I'll call those "two-minutes' hate" rallies, too.
But the hate here has been grossly lopsided. There is a difference between pointing out that neither side is perfect and treating their offenses as though they are equal simply because neither has come out unstained. This is a common tactic from McCain supporters who want to rationalize away all the nasty things coming from their own side by saying, "well, we're not the only ones, so it doesn't matter if we're the worst."
Again. There's been nasty behavior and petty slurring and misogyny from all sides. Admitting that does not mean we should let McCain-Palin (or their supporters) off for being the worst offenders here by far.
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chiming
no subject
Date: 2008-10-18 08:50 pm (UTC)From:The reason I'm taking issue with the chaos generated by the Republican ticket more so than the Democratic ticket is not that Obama's saintly presence has cleansed all of his supporters of their nastier natures. The reason I'm taking issue with the Republicans is that their behavior is representative of a trend, a trend that creates a hateful and angry atmosphere that benefits them far more than talking about their broken policies.
If people are going to a Obama's rallies because they hate McCain and want a safe space to sling vitriol, if people are going to a a Biden rally because they want a place where they can safely shout "terrorist!" and "kill McCain!" then I'll call those "two-minutes' hate" rallies, too.
But the hate here has been grossly lopsided. There is a difference between pointing out that neither side is perfect and treating their offenses as though they are equal simply because neither has come out unstained. This is a common tactic from McCain supporters who want to rationalize away all the nasty things coming from their own side by saying, "well, we're not the only ones, so it doesn't matter if we're the worst."
Again. There's been nasty behavior and petty slurring and misogyny from all sides. Admitting that does not mean we should let McCain-Palin (or their supporters) off for being the worst offenders here by far.