Vote on issues, not on personalities

Susan Davis, Henderson

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008 | 2:06 a.m.

Sarah Palin proved Wednesday night that she is a fighter. In a league with Rudy Giuliani, she belittled with sharp sarcasm and cutting divisiveness, blending truths and dramatic make-believe truths with skill and charisma.

With pitch-perfect delivery and rapid-fire one-liners, diplomacy and respect were tossed aside. Community organizers were dismissed with insulting disdain to the cheers of the crowd that has at last found its hero — a really “hot” pit bull capable of exciting the masses and convincing them they can provide change for America.

I sat here feeling stunned and empty. Though I know I am not alone in my response, I know I am surely not with the crowd. I feel like I belong on another side within my country.

Could it be that the political war that has paralyzed our country would benefit by increasing the intensity of the battle to prove one side or the other “right”? Has Barack Obama not achieved anything in his life, in his call for unity?

Will laughing at his efforts to bring us all together in mutual honor and respect, integrity and compromise, heal us as a nation? I think not.

It frightens me that the Republicans urge us to vote on the personalities, not the issues. Religious fundamentalists, both here and abroad, do not promote rights or freedom. Pandering to the far right will not promote rights or freedom no matter how charismatic their star is. Voting in ignorance of the issues allows changes in the balance of the Supreme Court that can radically alter our way of life.

Wake up, America, look beyond the belittling cheers and study the issues. Read. Ask. Share. Look beyond the wants of “me, myself and I” to the needs of all. Only when we all have freedom will yours be guaranteed.