Despicable Politics

I do not pretend to be an authority on politics. For that, I have my husband ;). But, I am a registered voter, have voted in nearly all of the local and national elections for the past 9 years, and attempt to be informed about the goings-ons of politicians and our government.

The coming Presidential election has me befuddled. I am stunned that in the "age of technology and information" we can have so much MISinformation being passed on and on and on without any regard to the TRUTH. What happened to common sense in America? What happened to individual thinking and reasoning? Have we all become so jaded as to think that whatever we see on unbiased (HA!) articles, YouTube spliced videos, and e-mail forwards are reliable sources?

I URGE you, my friendly readers, to search out the truth in every way you can. Here are some of my suggestions:

1. When you receive ANY e-mail forward, go directly to www.snopes.com. Do not pass GO, do not collect $200, do not hit FORWARD! I would estimate that 99% of all e-mail chain letters, forwards, and the like are written to incite, provoke, and sway opinions using fear tactics and misrepresentation of the facts. When you have found out the true story, please hit REPLY TO ALL and pass along the link to the snopes article that debunks whatever drivel has been passed to you.

2. Politically, there are a few sites devoted to uncovering the TRUTH in the huge mess that has become the norm - smear campaigns. Try these two sites out politifact.com and factcheck.org. Both are maintained by non-profit, non-partisan groups and can (hopefully) be counted on to do the research for you.

Now, I must go one step further and post a few links debunking some of the most damaging "myths" being passed around about Senator Barack Obama. I will not tell you to vote for any candidate - honestly, I think both are good men and should be respected. However, the internet slander about Obama has gotten out of hand and some damage control needs to be done. I would do the same if there were as many lies out there about McCain - there simply aren't because people aren't as invested in bringing him down.

Myth #1: Obama is a Muslim. In January 2007, CNN debunked this myth, but it has gained wings with e-mail chain letters that people just keep passing along. Some of this, I'm sure has to do with his middle name, Hussein and his last name, Obama, which rhymes with one of the most reviled men in the past century. It has negative connotations, I'll give you that. But, since when do we, as Americans, judge someone by their NAME? Aren't we supposed to be the land of opportunity where anyone no matter their gender, race, or religion get a fair shot? Know the truth. Don't assume!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/01/22/obama.madrassa/
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_barack_obama_muslim.htm

Myth #2: Obama does not salute or respect the flag or put his hand over his heart when reciting the Pledge. This one even has photographic evidence! *gasp* Yes, even pictures that are worth 1000 words can misrepresent!

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/11/obama-says-flag.html
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp
http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/barackobama/a/obama_anthem.htm

Myth #3: Obama regularly attends an all-black church that does not allow whites and is covertly anti-American and possibly funding terrorists. (I won't point out how contradictory it is to say he's a Muslim and in the same breath state that he "regularly attends a church!) I also won't begin to delve into the complicated issues surrounding Rev. Wright's statements and whether or not Obama knew/endorsed them. The jury is still out on that for me. I'll just stick with the facts here.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/church.asp
http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/government/a/obama_church.htm

Myth #4: Obama is the anti-Christ. (I can't even believe I'm writing that even to debunk it :( but I know you've heard it, so I feel compelled to get the truth out there.)

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/antichrist.asp
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/08/09/some_say_ad_casts_obama_as_the_antichrist/
http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/barackobama/a/obamaantichrist.htm

Myth #5: The Obamas are not proud Americans. (This one stemmed from a quote taken COMPLETELY out of context from a speech Mrs. Obama made where she was speaking of the political process in America. )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqsDydV-I6E&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjD8ilLsbaA
and here's one of John McCain making a similar statement, but it was never questioned because everyone inherently understood what he meant in context. No one gave Michelle Obama the same consideration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hVeWZjB8zM

There are more - I'll just link you to the website that the Obama campaign set up to get the truth out there. http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fightthesmearshome

It's sad, really, that so much misinformation can be out there about a candidate that has NOTHING to do with this issues. So much so that a whole website devoted to getting rid of the lies had to be set up. What about his policies? Do you know about them? If you aren't going to vote for Sen. Obama because you don't believe in his politics, his stance on taxes, his energy plan, his healthcare plan, etc., GREAT! I commend and applaud you for being informed and voting for the candidate that best represents your views. But, I beg those of you who are uncomfortable with his candidacy because of the rumors you've heard to do some more research into the candidate himself. You don't have to think he's the best man for the job, you don't have to agree with his politics or his plans. But, PLEASE be informed this November.