As recently noted in The Boston Globe, the race for the White House is beginning to resemble a school playground fight more than constructive political discourse. But luckily for President Obama and Governor Romney, the mudslinging seen in this year’s election hasn’t escalated to the cruelty perpetuated earlier this week by a group of New York middle schoolers against 68-year-old bus monitor Karen Klein. Following the incident and subsequent 10-minute video of the bullying, which was posted to YouTube earlier this week, Klein become a national story. But whether it’s seen on the school bus or on the campaign trail, incivility is apparently becoming more commonplace in the United States.
Both the Obama and Romney camps have resorted to malicious tweeting and even heckling as part of their campaign strategies. Even members of the media have all but abandoned a respectful approach to campaigning, as exemplified by Neil Munro’s interruption of the President last Friday in the Rose Garden. It seems, perhaps, that the nastiness that obscurity sometimes spawns is preparing us for sharper rhetoric in our everyday lives, which is reflected in our acceptance of some of the tactics practiced by those competing for the highest office in the country.
At the very least, Klein’s tale does come with a silver lining: sympathizers have raised nearly $500,000 in private donations for Klein so that she can take a much-needed vacation. Maybe we will see a similarly encouraging turnaround in our politics.
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I hope the interns find time to inform Alex that Holder breaks the law if he even thinks of giving Issa all the documents demanded by the jerk. Why is Alex siding with the GOP on their demand for documents that, if given, would put Holder in a criminal position?
I haven't seen the video yet, but it's good to see that people have been considerate enough to show this woman there's still kindness and love out there, where you least expect it no less. Had I known any better earlier I'd of likely chipped a few bucks her way too.
Although it's easy to demonize the children doing this, it's important to remember that these are still teenagers. Easily impressionable, and the glut of crass available to them in terms of easily accessible games, films, songs etc. don't really tend to promote the best of integrity (or in extreme cases, any at all). Also remember that these kids have parents; where have the parents been to teach them that this behavior is unacceptable? It doesn't get NEARLY as bad is did with these kids unless the parents just didn't give a flying you-know-what to sit down and tell them "that's just not how you treat people.".