The World is an Election?

Not to get political here, but the world is a stage and sometimes the show is about politics. But there is a danger in confusing politics with decency.  Although I watched the Tea Party debates with less than baited breath there were some very disturbing displays that played out. Several outburst from the crowd had nothing to do with politics and everything to do with dysfunctional morality.   I am not sure who disgusted me more,  the nasty personal attacks by the candidates themselves, or the hostile rhetoric from the crowd. At times it was like watching a mob rally. 

Two cases on point: When Rick Perry mentioned the number of people executed in Texas during his eleven year reign there was a cheer from the crowd as they stamped their feet in approval. There are at least three investigations into the allegation that some of those executed in Texas during that time were actually innocent. Currently a request for a stay has been sent to Gov. Perry to re-sentence a man who is scheduled to be executed.  It seems that during the penalty phase a prosecutor quoted a psychologist who said that black people are more likely to present a future danger to society than others.  There are no facts to support this allegation and it was the opinion of a witness for the prosecution. It is believed that statement turned the jury from a decision of life in prison to execution. Keeping the community safe is an admirable quest, but to cheer the fact that a Governor or a State has killed more people than any other is despicable decorum.  

Another incident occurred when medical care was being debated.  When asked, what should happen in America if a young person has a catastrophic illness and can't afford treatment that might save him... the crowd audibly shouted "let him die".  One of the candidates said we are all responsibility for ourselves and he should have planned his finances better in the hypothetical case.  Insensitive hypocrisy coming from a congressman who enjoys the benefit of a top notch governmental health plan. 

Ron Paul was booed when he suggested that the Muslim world was not out to destroy us. He cited the many Muslims living at peace with their neighbors stating that a radical fringe was reacting with political violence not religiousness. He is correct, political acts should not be confused with religion. 

The Klu Klux Klan spouts Christian religion as the basis for their actions. I don't think we would link all Christians with the violence, hate and crime associated with this group.

I am fine with discussions in opinion of a government run as a Republic verses a Democracy. By straddling the two we come up with a better government. But the whole discourse has gone from intellectual differences to hatred. As a nation we can not cheer the sanctioned killing of those who may be innocent.  We can not boo the idea that we are not all stereo types cast along racial differences.  And we can not write off a person who is not rich enough to afford the medical treatment to save his life.  Those very actions are counter to the American principles of freedom, liberty and justice for all.

The very legislators who allowed tax breaks and trade agreements to send all the manufacturing jobs out of this country are now complaining that we need to create more jobs in this country. Their solution is to eliminate over site and restrictions on the very companies that have shipped their jobs overseas.

How can the electorate make a good decision about the leaders of this country when they are so full of hate and misinformation?  To vote for a candidate because you both hate the same people is very dangerous.  Hitler was elected on that very ideology... sure worked out well for them.  

As you were,

Jay