Politics and the Middle School Mentality

Is anyone else sick to death of the bullies of politics on both sides of the aisle, at all levels of government.

This morning I logged on to Facebook to see a posting on my wall from the Easttown Democratic Committee.  It was a post that was "shared" from an account identified as "Malia Ann Obama."  I don't for one moment think that this 'public figure' page is actually the work of Washington, DC student, Malia Obama who also happens to live at The White House with her parents the President and First Lady. 

That's what struck me even more than the usual childish name-calling we have come to expect from both parties.  Why would a local political party re-post something that is so clearly against what President Obama routinely calls for: civility.  (Lest you think I'm politically blind-my tongue is firmly in my cheek). 

The posting in question shows the Cat in The Hat with a Dr. Seuss-like parody of Green Eggs and Ham. It begins with the lines "I do not like this Ted Cruz twit, I do not like him just one bit."

It goes on to list the stances and positions that the posting, shared by the Easttown Democratic Committee, does not like about Cruz.  That's fine.  Political discourse SHOULD be based on policies and stances, and that's the point of my writing this blog.

At the end of the parody the writer says "I do not like his lies and tricks, I do not like his head of bricks."

Well here is this blogger's response:

I do not like this vile discourse
It's like what comes from the back of a horse
Political parties should be better than this
Hearing from your candidates would be bliss.
Debate on the issues would be great.
More informative than the personal hate.
Cheap shots from bullies are just that
I'd rather vote for a hat-wearing cat.


This morning the President himself said "We come from different parties, but we are Americans first. That's why disagreement cannot mean dysfunction. It can't degenerate into hatred." The transcript of the President's entire speech is available on the Washington Post's website.

His opponents will (and have already) said Mr. Obama was also 'spiking the football during his remarks."  His supporters will cheer the President's victory. 

But when it comes to not "degenerating into hatred" it appears the message hasn't trickled down to Easttown Democrats from the White House and the DNC... or maybe the real message did. Whip up the base. Whip up the base and you can get them to the polls.  It worked for the Obama campaign in 2012 and failing to do so cost Mitt Romney dearly.

Neither party has clean hands in this filthy business.  Both sides send daily (often multiple) daily press releases lambasting their opponents. It's tiresome and it does nothing to tell the voters where candidates stand.

Today it was Easttown Democrats, launching a personal attack on a Senator who who stood on a principle. Tomorrow it could be the Republicans attacking a Democrat (not likely) or one of their own (seems more likely these days).

As we go into election season it would certainly be refreshing to see passionate debate on issues rather than sophomoric attacks on the people who stand on principal, regardless of whatever position they take.  By this I mean no offense to sophomores. Most know better. 

• By the way, Patch invites and encourages every candidate at every level to blog on Patch.  You are invited to connect directly with your constituents with your message.  Simply click here to start a blog.

What do YOU think?  

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