10.19.2008

Speaking Up For What's Right

Sorry I haven't been as prolific of late, folks, but even when I think of something to blog about, by the time I sit down at the computer I've either forgotten or lost interest. However, I did find something today...

On John Scalzi's Whatever, he posted about something very important in today's political and sociological climate -- On Who is American. He was prompted by Gen. Colin Powell's remarks during an endorsement of Obama. Powell said (according to this NY Times article) about the conservative concerns that Obama is actually Muslim and not Christian, “And we have got to say to the world it doesn’t make any difference who you are and what you are. If you’re an American you’re an American.”

Thank you, Colin Powell, for saying what's been bothering me about the current trend of American thinking. Muslim does not equal terrorist. No more than Christian equals disbeliever of science. No more than atheist equals morally-bereft. We cannot vilify each other if we ever hope to make this world a better place for anyone.

[sigh] I love Colin Powell. (Thank goodness he climbed out of that pit he fell into when he in Bush's administration!) Go to the NY Times article or the MSNBC article and watch the video. It really says it all.


And yes, it would be So. Awesome. if Powell were formally involved in Obama's administration. I understand if he doesn't want to be, but it would be so great.

The Daily Show addressed the extreme negativity pretty directly, as well as whether Muslims can be good family men. (The first one is particularly good.) I feel sorry for John McCain.

5 comments:

Jerry Critter said...

I just blogged about this very subject. If I had read your blog earlier, I would have added it to my post.

Obviously, I agree 100% with your view.

Mummy Grabill said...

Brian and I watched Gen. Powell on Meet the Press when it aired. It was an extremely intelligent and well thought out dictation of his thoughts and feelings leading up to his support of Obama. He is certainly a man to be greatly respected and I am glad to hear someone who brings up the *real* issues, not the surface ones, about the course the Republican campaign has taken.

I agree whole heartedly with you about feeling sorry for McCain. I believe Jon Stewart said it best with his "monster" bit. I don't believe the current spirit of the Republican campaign is representative of the kind of man John McCain is, but it is representative of a subversive vein in his party that rears it's ugly head, especially at times like these, that seeks to guide the nation with fear, anger, and hatred. Palin on the other hand seems to join in to the fray a little too much for my tastes - it's just another way she reminds Brian and I of "W".

belsum said...

I am continuing my policy of skipping political blog posts wherever I encounter them but I did want to comment. Because I soooooooooo can relate to the malaise of posting. Forgotten or don't care anymore. Yep. That's it exactly.

Anonymous said...

The hub and I had a chat about our culture's current, unconstitutional 'religious test' for office. I'm proud of Gen. Powell for speaking up. I wonder - do you think a Muslim ever could be elected president? A Buddhist? An outspoken atheist? It makes me sad for our nation. :(

Mummy Grabill said...

Don't be sad jeri! 30 years ago someone might have said "do you think a black person could ever be elected president?" and look at us now! Regardless of the outcome of this election we can see our progress in this arena. I truly believe that what we've seen in the past few years in our nation is NOT the sum of all of it's parts. There's a lot of great people in this country who will continue to move us towards tolerance and equality, and I believe we will get there.

Yes - I'm a glass half-full person. But I choose to see life with hope - if I didn't, I would be very depressed. :-p