The Moment - A Remarkable Commentary On the Politics of Fear

by Robert Wilkinson

From TruthOut, I just read this piece called "The Moment." Astonishingly well written, it captures an historical moment in our American political process. A section follows.

Written by a Vietnam Vet to John McCain, it says more in a few words than all the television news put together. Some political rallies here in the US seem to be reviving the spirit of ugliness, hatred, and fear. This article addresses a recent Republican event when a woman told the crowd that Barack Obama is an Arab. Here is a small piece, and when you're done please go to the link at the end to read the whole thing. It's truly a defining moment in the life of the Republican Party.

I saw your face. I watched your body language as you took the microphone and quickly distanced yourself from that one.

At that moment, did you see your reflection in the mirror of her eyes? A reflection, not of a maverick, but a pariah? Did you see the decades of American scar tissue? Birmingham? Burning crosses? The noose? Did you see that awful year in American history when Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy were assassinated, cut down in the prime of their dreams for a better America?

Did you hear the echo of Dr. King's words about being "judged not by the color of their skin, but the content of their character," and suddenly realize that it was not your opponent's character in question - but yours? Perhaps you heard the whisper of Langston Hughes when he asked, "What happens to a dream deferred ...? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?"

Did you suddenly smell the rot and fetid acrid aroma of fear and hate, the carcass of mendacious political tactics decaying at your feet? Or did you sniff the flop-sweat of your own campaign standing in a puddle of decimating poll numbers?

I watched your mouth dry up and wondered if you could taste the bitter words like "Arab," "terrorist," "treason," "kill him," - all served up on the plate of red meat politics by your campaign. Did it make you choke and want to spit out the rancid flavor of ignorance and violence? Or did you want to savor the success of the politics of personal destruction?

Did you feel the cold chill of defeat? Did your heart pound with the all-encompassing realization that you would never be president? Could you sense that the America you appeal to is stale and dying out and being replaced by the freshness of hope and tolerance and a rainbow of change?

Here's the original from TruthOut:

The Moment by John Cory, 13 October 2008.

There's little to enjoy, but lots to think about.

Copyright © 2008 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[cheryl schwind]

thanks for the link robert. at a time when we are all standing between choosing life and breath and kindness or more war and loss of life and rage, it is a great thing to read a veteran choose the side of the living and evolving.you help expand us all.

[Robert]

Hi Cheryl - I have great compassion for those who have served our country only to realize their sacrifices are being treated cheaply by politicians for selfish gain and fearmongering that allows the ugly head of racism to show itself. There are many, many veterans who are disheartened by this useless, endless war where there is no victory, no progress, and rampant corruption, and even more disheartened when they come home to the mess made the past 8 years. It's time to stay focused on building for the future on every level, given what's upon us all.

[Robert]

Hi all - Here's another classic example of the racist excrement, lies, and fear that the Republicans would draw on for their votes thanks to the efforts of the ever-so-trashy Sarah Palin. As a commenter posted, "How sad and ironic that it takes Al-Jazeera to report on a side of America that the MSM refuses to uncover." More? From the same website, a piece in Sacramento calling for Obama to be tortured, and a blatantly racist newsletter in San Bernardino featuring Fried chicken, ribs, watermelon, and Barack. This election is certainly stirring the seeds of hatred among the ignorant. I do believe most of these people need a high colonic, a 10 mile hike with a full field pack, and a refresher course in the Red Letters.