blogger profile

Rhi Bowman

Student/ Writer

Rhi (pronounced Ree) B. is short for Rhiannon Bowman. Rhi B. is me. I’m a young woman– a newly wed, mother of two spoiled rotten cats and student– working hard to get out of college and on with the business of freelance writing. Trading money for words is a lifelong dream. After allowing...

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Return to Sender

Save your stamps, we're immune

Today I received not one, but two, glossy over-sized anti-Obama mailers from the Republican National Committee-- “Authorized by McCain Palin 2008.”

Because I am a freelance writer who stalks my mailbox, when I heard the postperson (it’s sick that I know the sound of his car, isn’t it?) I ran from my desk to the street (like I do most days) with my pen still in hand-- and fortunately so because I wrote “Return to Sender :( “ and shoved their non-sense back into the box and flipped the flag right after reviewing their message.

First, they chose unbecoming pictures of Sen. Obama, though that is not surprising (both sides do that). Second, they-- again-- misrepresented his tax plan (hopefully people know the truth by now, and if they don’t it can be found on Obama’s Web site-- in fact, check out their tax cut calculator: http://taxcut.barackobama.com/). Third, they made the claim that other Democrats aren’t supporting him (which is ironic since many conservatives are not so hot for McCain). And, lastly, they-- again-- questioned Obama’s patriotism.

Really? Aren’t we beyond that, the questioning of a candidate’s patriotism?

Does anyone truly believe that someone would subject themselves and their families to the utter absurdity of our election process if they didn’t love our country? Why would anyone who could make (much) more money elsewhere want to risk their lives (heard about the death threats?) so they could work around the clock for four to eight years while listening to hundreds of millions of people explain their problems and beg for solutions if they weren’t totally compelled to support and protect our democracy?

I assert that anyone brave and crazy enough to run for the Presidency is patriotic and, further, that this asinine argument about who is more patriotic should be dropped in this campaign and in every campaign going forward.

I understand it’s a tight election, but I truly believe people are more interested in how the next president will affect their lives-- not in a popularity contest fueled by gossip and slander.

Reminders: Watch the last presidential debate on one of a dozen channels at 9 p.m. EST Wednesday. Early voting begins in North Carolina on Thursday; avoid the-- what are sure to be-- amazing long lines!