So, of course talk turned to politics at the family dinner tonight, and I can't be more disturbed. One of my cousins is still deciding who to vote for. Clearly, those of you who know me know that I went berserk. Not only was it just 3 days ago that I was calling any undecided stupid for clearly not knowing what issues matter to them because anyone with a value system has to know the difference between the candidates and have found their man by now. But also because his big issue is that his taxes are too high. Well, sir, (to quote 1776) so are mine. But as Oliver Wendell Holmes said, "I like paying taxes. With them I buy civilization." How can you care more about that (especially when even after taxes you're earning more money than I can even dream of) when 45 million children in the US go hungry every year? When women are being denied access to reproductive health care, equal pay and recourse after being victimized by abuse and sexual assault? When our rights are being stripped right from under our feet? When his own cousin is not allowed to marry his lifelong partner? Who is this person? Where is his compassion? Where is his understanding that a McCain win is tantamount to the literal death of thousands who die from illegal abortions both at home and abroad? That his own family is directly affected by the social policies? Who is he? I cannot understand.
In other news, Americans are racist. Not just racism without racists (which may be the single biggest threat to Obama's win), but full out racism. Rally attendees hurled racist epithets at a black camera man and another shouted "kill him!" referring to Obama. That's just the beginning. Comments on you tube videos refer to shooting "rioting blacks" and "nappy hair." I feel like I've been punched. I know intellectually that racism exists, but to be confronted with such unapologetic, such unabashed, vitriolic hatred and ignorance is beyond appalling and nauseating. I don't know what to do with myself tonight. I find myself ashamed of too many Americans.
