I am writing to comment about the 2012 election and the sea change in the level of public and private discourse concerning the election and how poorly people are treating each other!
I remember back in 1976 when a friend in college said that if Jimmy Carter won the election, he was moving to Canada. Actually Jimmy Carter was the last Presidential candidate that I fell in love with Peace, renewable energy, fireside chats. But then the economy, 20% inflation/ stagflation rates, and the Iranian hostage crisis. He broke our hearts.
What I see happening today is partly because of the social media and the annonymity it affords, and the deeply held "convictions" of both conservatives and progressives. There seems to be much less tolerance of differing opinions, and one's patriotism, very love for country and nearly parentage or legitimacy are all called into question.
I have been called the N word, a Faggot, and told that my father who was a physician would be ashamed of me.
One person said F you, twice!
I believe that because people can say whatever they wish on Facebook without repercussion or consequence, they think that they should. People seem to think that free speech means no consideration or concern for anyone else's beliefs or feelings.
More and more people think that they and they alone are "Right" and if anyone disagrees with them, all bets are off! You deserve what you get when you have the audacity to disagree with me!
I really believe that people don't even know that they are being rude or hafeful. And it seems to be both Conservatives, , and Liberals or Progressives. There seems to be no civilty gap!
And I believe that until we get back to some semblance of civilty and mutual respect, not questioning other's patriotism or parentage, we are pretty much doomed to more of the same! We actually do have the government and the leaders we deserve.
Obama is running a campaign by celebrity. Romney is running as a shape shifter . It seems that who and what these folks , and others actually are does not matter. It's perception and spin. There is no there there!
At any rate, this is my take. What do you think? By the way, my friend never moved to Canada. And the rest, as they say, is history!