Finally, a Republican Show of Decency
I watched Colin Powell endorse Barak Obama Sunday morning, and I actually cried. After so many weeks of listening to the same old vile attacks by the Republican outrage machine, I had actually given up completely on the idea that a Republican could show even the slightest signs of decency, much less demonstrate any understanding of how this country is SUPPOSED to work.
I was pleased that he came out for Obama, his reasons well considered and compelling. Most of all, I was proud when he pointed out so poignantly that it is wrong to label Obama as a Muslim, inferring that being a Muslim is evil. It is not enough to merely refute such allegations by saying that he is really a good Christian. In our country, it is WRONG to demonize any American simply because of his religious beliefs.
We are ALL Americans. We are ALL equal, when we disagree, we should be considered and treated as a loyal opposition, not as enemies of the state.
So when Republicans fret and wring their hands, wondering what has gone wrong, perhaps they should consider that a majority of the American people, particularly young people,think that the thinly veiled religious and racial attacks devised by the Republican outrage mongers is not merely wrong. Most Americans find these practices and beliefs repulsive, hateful and obscene.
A new generation of Americans will hopefully take the reins in November. Hopefully, they will abandon the politics of ignorance, hate and division. Like children acting badly, it is time to give the Republicans a “time out.” As they build for the future, perhaps they can leave the old Nixonian model behind and find a message to once again make us proud.
