Disappointed by the disrespect

Posted on by Cameron Walker

I understand that many people dislike Sarah Palin’s policies and believe that she is unprepared for the possibility of leading this country. I am one of these people! However, it disappointed me to see my fellow Obama supporters treat Palin’s supporters with hostility and disrespect outside the Civic Center on Sunday, Oct. 26. As supposedly civilized adults, do we not know how to respectfully disagree with an opinion that differs from our own? Our Republican brothers and sisters deserve the same respect that we would like to be given for our own political beliefs.

One thing I have always liked about Barack Obama is his ability to disagree without [causing] the argument to degenerate into a polarizing us-versus-them approach. To harass the McCain enthusiasts for their beliefs reminds me of George W. Bush’s cringe-inducing statement: “You’re either with us or against us.”

A broader, more inclusive approach would be beneficial to all, so I ask every citizen to look inside his or her own heart for seeds of intolerance, and soften the judgments that so divide us. If left unchecked, intolerance can be rationalized to justify any number of atrocities. Whether the world is going to hell in a handbasket, or the redemption of humanity is upon us, one can only control his or her own contributions. Let them be for the greater good.

— Cameron Walker
Asheville

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3 thoughts on “Disappointed by the disrespect”

  2. Ashevegasjoe

    I agree with the premise, but I was there and was struck by the degree of civility shown by both sides. We exchanged in a debate that was very civil, and taped by several people. By and large, the anger and unnecessary comments were hailed by Palin supporters. I think the Obama crowd was happy, upbeat, and very positive. It was the other side that shouted “terrorist” and “marxist”. I agree that now is a time to put this nasty election behind us and to move forward united. But, to make the assertion that it was the Obama supporters who were “hostile” and showed “direspect”, is contrary to what actually occurred.

  3. oppressed

    You fail to realize is that Sara Palin is more than just a politician. She is a fundamentalist Christian that believes the rapture is upon us. You also fail to realize that Christian fundamentalism is the most insipid form of racism and xenophobia that there can ever be. Why? Because God is used as the justification for its belief system. And in case you haven’t been paying attention to the history of mankind, God has been used to justify almost every major massacre of humans that has ever occured. If the KKK came to march on asheville would you hide in your safe, cozy house because its not nice to loudly protest their agenda of racism and hate? Your silence will not protect you or save you.

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