A serious moment

I try to avoid posting anything on my blog that someone might take offense to.

But I lay awake at 4:30 this morning, worrying about this. So I'm going to ask you to please read and consider my request.

Thank you.
Lisa
- - - -

In an election where both sides pledged to be civil, to run a campaign based on issues, not personal attacks, how did we wind up here?

Supporters at recent McCain rallies have been quoted shouting “Terrorist” and “Kill him!” (referring to Barack Obama). Is a candidate responsible for the words of everyone who shows up at a campaign event? No. But they are responsible for the rhetoric that incites such hatred and violence. They are responsible for saying “No. Stop it. This is not OK and I will not tolerate this.”

Maybe you don’t agree with Barack Obama’s policies. Maybe you think his presidency would be disastrous for the country. But remember that Barack Obama is not just a politician. He is someone’s husband, brother, grandchild, father.

To Michelle Obama, Barack isn’t a presidential candidate. He’s the man she fights with, laughs with, makes babies with. The one she intends to spend the rest of her life with. Michelle Obama already had concerns about her husband running for President. Imagine the fear and worry that runs through her heart and her mind when she hears people calling for the death of her husband.

To Malia and Sasha Obama, he isn’t a presidential candidate. He’s Daddy. I know the Obamas try to keep their daughters shielded from the harsher realities of political life. But we all know that our kids don’t live in a bubble. Imagine how they would feel hearing someone called their Daddy a terrorist. Or shouting death threats. Worse yet, imagine those two innocent little girls having to be told that their Daddy has been killed. That he’ll never be there again to tuck them in and kiss them good night, to watch them graduate college, to walk down the aisle, to tell their own funny “ride home from the hospital with the new baby” story.

So, regardless of your political affiliation, your religion, your social views, or the color of your skin, please demand that there be a stop to this before someone gets hurt. Contact the McCain campaign (http://www.johnmccain.com), your local government representatives, your local paper… whoever it takes to get the candidates talking about the issues, not each other.