Sunday, October 19, 2008

In This Time of Challenge and Controversy

In 15 days we will elect the next president of the United States. Today Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama. Other prominent Republicans and conservative newspapers and journalists have also endorsed Barack Obama for president. Republicans have publicly asked McCain and Palin to stop making phone calls that spread lies about Obama, to stop the negative ads, and to stop the talk of hate at their rallies.

I decided it was my turn to stand up and say "enough," but I didn't know who to tell. Then Bang the Drum posted a letter on her blog that said exactly what I wanted to say to McCain and Palin. The letter is sponsored by colorofchange.org and can be signed here. I signed it and asked not to receive any future emails, and I haven't. I received only a confirmation and a request to share the letter with people I know.

I don't usually fill a post with links or ask readers to do anything other than read what I've written, and I won't do this often, I promise. These are challenging times and there is so much at stake. I needed to do something proactive and wanted to offer you the same opportunity. I do still believe in the best of human nature, but I am not naive enough to think the political climate is going to get any better before or immediately after the election. The more we speak up, the better our chances of surviving these challenging times to thrive as our country moves forward.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's so important that we all speak up. It is really time to end the mean-spirited competition driven campaigning that has subverted politics in our country.

And the more of us that call political groups on their bad behavior the better.

Anonymous said...

It is difficult to know how to be pro-active and have positive influence regarding issues of national importance. Thanks for sharing a venue for this issue.

Anonymous said...

I agree. And interestingly, the people working for the "McNasty" campaign don't seem to have any trouble speaking out -- often with lies and propaganda. So why should those of us in the other camp feel shy about rallying for our candidate?

At a recent social event, several McPalin supporters openly criticized me for simply WEARING my "Women for Obama" button. They had no problem trashing my candidate, but wouldn't give me a chance to explain or support my choice in a nice way. What is that all about?