09.18.08

Leave Sarah Alone!!!

Posted in Politics, Rants at 12:48 am by Sulla

No, I’m not going to do the full Crocker. But sweet steaming Sterculius, I cannot believe the depths to which some of Palin’s detractors are spelunking in their efforts to destroy her.

Yesterday’s hacking into Palin’s Yahoo account and publication of its contents (nothing incriminating, as the intruder admits, but a massive violation of all boundaries, and at least a few laws). A “comedian” offering Bristol Palin $25,000 to have an abortion. The earlier litany of lies about Trig Palin’s “real” mother. People disputing Sarah’s right to be numbered among Women – excuse me, Womyn. Such philosophical luminaries as Matt Damon, Lindsay Lohan, Pamela Anderson, Roseanne Barr (whatever she calls herself these days) discoursing on Palin’s credentials, character, hubris, audacity, etc. Photoshops of Palin in various states of provocative (un)dress and in many cases degradation litter the Internet.

I could go on, but I choose not to.

Look, I know there are those who are pushing for Obama to win in November. Most of them are not certifiably insane. But a disturbing number of them are. Perhaps some of it is mob mentality – the echo chambers they frequent get everyone in a lather. The temptation to outdo one another in ferocity increases as the polls give any cause for concern that their candidate might not win. For some, Palin’s deeply held beliefs stand in stark contrast to their own, and her successes represent a clear and present danger to their world view.

Political campaigns are almost ugly; when someone stands between you (or your candidate) and your cherished goal, you need to stop them at any cost. The only question is where you draw the line. This year, the line is so far out it’s beyond the horizon. It’s one thing to suggest that the other side is out to Destroy Sarah; it’s another when there are those on the other side who don’t even bother to deny it.

Look, hit her all you like on her knowledge (or lack thereof) of world affairs; of the economy; of whatever else. You want to belittle her experience as mayor or governor, go for it. You want to mock her public appearances for style or content, have a ball. Those are all fair game.

But if you’re writing in a public forum that your blood boils and you contemplate murder because a political rival is on television…seek professional help. Seriously.

Yes, elections are important. Yes, I understand what it feels like to be the party out of power, and feeling like the country is seriously on the wrong track. I know all too well the sense that the guy in the white house is unworthy of it and should have the decency to resign or the karmic deficit to be tossed out by Senate vote. I’ve been there.

But wanting a candidate DEAD? Dude. Seriously: DUDE. That kind of anger is not only not healthy for you, it’s toxic to the people around you.

Stop hurting America. Get therapy. that much pent-up rage will be be let loose one way or another. I saw it happen in 1992 after 12 years of Reagan/Bush; it was scary. Two years later, Newt Gingrich led the “Republican Revolution” that ended the 40 year stranglehold on the House by the Democrats, and the party polarization escalated further. Impeachment in 1998, the electoral standoff and accusations of “stolen election” in 2000, John Kerry’s ridiculous attempt to claim the same…

America is in the grip of a nationwide OCD cycle. Round and round, more and more intense, no escape in sight. We either break the cycle and let the intensity dissipate, or emotions will blow up…broadly, and badly. We saw acts of violence in 2004, and even more of it this year so far.

I earnestly pray that no harm comes to any candidate, before or after the election. I’m sure there are those whose feelings against Obama are so out there that they’d do him harm if they could…but I have yet to see any public mention of it. The threats against Palin, on the other hand, are all too public, and if I were one of her Secret Service people I’d be armed for bear…and wolves…and elephants…and submarines….

I know Gov. Palin can, for the most part, fend for herself. She will rise or fall based on her performance this fall. She doesn’t scare easily, and she’s already acquired a substantial roster of enemies. But to my knowledge, none of her Alaska foes want her dead.

I wish I could say the same of the nation, but I’ve seen too many comments online to doubt it.

At the moment, I’d almost prefer to be living in Iraq, where the citizens are trying to get along.

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