Kristina Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Meghan McCain and I disagree on about 99% of political issues but I have a lot of respect for her. I enjoyed reading her blog during the campaign and getting that behind the scenes perspective. I follow her on twitter and am bothered by the ridiculous attacks on her. But this column she wrote recently explains exactly why I like her so much:

Why I Hate the Politics of Hate

A few excerpts:

"Lately I’ve felt that the anger in politics is spilling over from the expected places—protests, partisan websites, talk radio—into everyday lives. The lines of social acceptability and just plain courteous behavior are becoming harder to define when it comes to politics, and for the first time in a long time I am truly concerned about where this fear and frustration in politics is taking us."

"I understand a certain amount of partisan pettiness, but what I don’t understand is why both politicians and pundits are not more vested in the next generation, in my generation, and the cultural and political climate they are leaving behind. It’s almost as if to be taken seriously in politics, a certain level of anger and incivility is required. I am not saying I am not angry about many things that are going on in this country, but I do believe we can discuss our differences with respect."

"This extremist shift is happening all over the country, and I can’t help think about the toll it is taking on the next generation of voters. For the first time in my life, I find myself disillusioned with the political process—something I always swore would never happen to me. And I am not ashamed to admit that this small feeling of disillusionment is scaring me. Because if this is how I feel from all of the rancor, I can only imagine how disconnected the rest of my generation must feel. If politicians aren’t inspiring people when they are young, what hope is there that they will care when they are older?"

Thank you Meghan McCain. Now if you could just convince your dad to change his positions on a few things....

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