While objectively there should be only one truth, our own perspectives often determine our beliefs. While each of us are entitled to our opinions, a modicum of fairness would call for some sort of code regarding open and true debate.
We now have under 100 days before the presidential election. Both parties and their PACs have dedicated far more effort to negative advertising about their adversary than explaining what they would do, and why they are the better choice. President Obama comes into this election weakened, if not bludgeoned by the continuing worldwide economic instability and high jobless rate. For obvious reasons, his campaign would rather emphasize other aspects and issues, but the economy is actually what should be a major issue.
Former Governor Romney is far from the ideal opponent. He has had to use a variety of semantics to avoid his own involvement in the health plan (when he was Massachussets governor, which by the way, at the time was a bipartisan effort) in order to oppose Obama's healthcare program. Rather than either man discussing what the true need of health reform should be (which is stabilizing and reducing the overall costs of health care and pharmaceutical access), their campaigns have instead gone negative. The President's campaign continues to link Romney's Bain Capital involvement to some sort of demon plot, while Mr. Romeny's campaign continuously ignores the fact that we now live in a worldwide economy, and as bad as the United States has had it, most of the rest of the world has had it worse.
Both sides run away from any true and realistic discussion on issues such as energy and energy costs, increased violence (especially the assault weapon issue and the licensing procedures), realistic job creation proposals, etc. Rather, they have both resorted to name calling, and letting the PACs do the real dirty work, such as the continuous Obama birth certificate, Romney's Bain involvement, and recently the spin on unemployment benefits, where each side has been less than completely forthright.
Unfortunately, our local politicians are guilty of the same type of behavior, and it is SO very easy to rant about their behavior. But how about our own behavior? Every school election has become more polarizing in its nature, pitting neighbor against neighbor, rather than looking for a better way. And, anyone who reads the comments on Patch must realize that the level of vitriol has become more and more venemous. A perusal of comments on often only remotely related articles often resorts to name calling and accusation, and consistently those accusations are made anonymously. Certainly, if an accusation can be substantiated, it should be publicized, and if someone wishes to maintain anonymity, that is fine as long as it is more than empty accusations. On the other hand, unsubstantiated anonymous accusations often run the risk of improperly soiling someone's reputation. Individuals who make themselves known must concern themselves with libel/slander, so are generally more careful to have substantiating information (not just conjecture or opinion).
Isn't it about time we put truth and getting the right needs addressed as the priority? (I can't wait to see some of the anticipated anonymous comments)
