Episodes of the Daily Show and Colbert Report are running nonstop on Comedy Central, and I just saw the most disturbing segment where an interviewer travelled to various locations asking people who they planned to vote for, and why.
He reported, “There is no blue America or red America. There’s just one scared sh*tless America.” This because so many individuals had this to say, regardless of their party affiliation, “If that man is elected President, it will terrify me.”
One woman estimated that if Obama were elected, within four years there would be a 75% chance that the country would be taken over by Islamic extremists. Another said she expected, after Obama’s acceptance speech, that he would put on a turban and start shooting Americans.
How disgusting. And how embarrassing.
However, those “terrified” by what would happen if McCain were elected sounded just as paranoid (well, not JUST as paranoid- of course “he might overturn Roe vs. Wade” wasn’t on the same level as turbans and shooting), and ill-informed.
I need, today, for the country not to disappoint me. I need for Americans not only to elect the best candidate, but to show themselves to be rational, level-headed people who do not surrender to sensationalism. What Americans REALLY need is not only a better, stronger, smarter leader– but also the sense to start acting like better, stronger, smarter citizens.
There is no excuse for ignorance and hatred, directed toward either of these men. My program director, Gregory Wolfe, posted as his facebook status “We are electing a president, not a Savior.” That’s true either way, and it’s also true either way that we are not electing a Satan.
Today I voted, proudly, for Barack Obama. I believe he can take America in the right direction on both domestic and foreign issues. I am also proud to be part of what will be a milestone in our history- electing our first African-American president.
And I believe he will win. But if by some freak chance John McCain were elected, the only thing I would be TERRIFIED of is Sarah Palin assuming the vice presidency. And that, my friends, is a rational terror.
Yes we can!
Also, I think, a smart and nice guy, if a little high-strung.
Oh dear lord.
