A Tribute to Fear

SO I have been given a number of complaints lately that I haven't posted to my blog in a long time now (I didn't realize that there were that many that had my blog on their readers). So I figured it was time to add a new post.

I know that it is obvious to most all of you that I know personally which side of this presidential debate I stand on. I'll not make any pretense at being undecided or even "Fair and Balanced" in my points of view regarding McCain or Obama. I do try to have an open mind and look at the points of view all of you have offered up with some form of objectivity and understanding which I honestly don't always accomplish nearly as well as I would like to.

However, that said, at this time I can not find words to accurately describe my disgust and revulsion with what McCain's campaign did last night at the RNC.

For those of you who did not watch the convention last night, or follow the commentaries lighting up the blogosphere today, the republicans showed a "tribute" to 9/11 last night that to me was the absolute epitome of baseless, disgusting behavior. I call it this for at least three reasons.

1. The deaths of over 3000 people and many more injured is not and should not be a political rallying point. Americans died that day, not just republicans, but libertarians, communists, and even democrats.
2. Coming from the party that has denied photographs of military coffins as disrespectful this is the height of hypocrisy.
3. While it was titled a tribute to 9/11 victims and survivors, I found it to be nothing of the sort. What it was, was one of the most blatant attempts at fear mongering I have ever witnessed in my life.

I'm trying to avoid hyperbole when describing frustration I feel after watching this. In fact after reading some of the pro and anti arguments for this film, I wasn't even certain that I wanted to watch it at all knowing that it would likely make me feel this way. However, right or wrong I decided to watch it on youtube and all I can say is that I am saddened by fact that many find this not only to be permissible, but even laudable and in good judgment.

In my mind this has solidified a number of feelings I have had.
1. McCain only feels he can win the presidency if he is able to scare America badly enough. Scare us against his competition. Scare us against those who we may not understand. And scare us against an enemy that the republicans have done very little against, other than to strengthen their resolve.
2. If you can't stand up and tell me why I should vote for you other than to say that your opponent is worse, then you don't deserve my vote either.
3. Why would I ever want to vote for a message based on fear?

I know that these are harsh criticisms and at the same time probably not very shocking coming from someone who is pretty firmly in the Obama camp. But I also know that if Obama were to ever show such a poor lack of character and judgment I would immediately leave that camp and never look back.

/soapbox

P.S. For those telling me to add a post, I think this qualifies as one of those careful what you wish for lessons.

P.P.S.
For those of you who haven't seen it, if you are interested you can watch the "tribute" here, but I can't recommend it.