Thursday, May 1, 2008

Open Letter: Dear Sen. Clinton, I'm Upset

Dear Sen. Clinton,
As someone who cares enough about our nation to keep informed about the challenges facing regular Americans in their daily lives, you must have noticed that Fox 'News' is sexist and racist, has nothing to do with news, and sometimes includes complete fabrications. Your husband, at least, has some first-hand experience with the Fox News team not being honest brokers, as he has perhaps mentioned. Senator, I believe that you and I share many values, and that you will readily admit that an organization that spreads hateful propaganda and fear in the guise of news is not only irresponsible, but also a threat to our citizens' understanding of themselves and the world that surrounds them. An organization that spreads misinformation and promotes intolerance must be seen as a determent to democracy. I believe that you would not wish to give credibility to such a harmful organization, or imply that their 'news' is legitimate. That's why I was appalled to see that you had appeared on Bill O'Reilly's show:


(via Stroller Derby)

Perhaps you did not notice, but you were being baited. Bill O'Reilly encouraged you to attack you opponent on superficial grounds, and you obliged. You might have said that, while you disagree with some - or even most - of the things Rev. Wright has said about the United States and its government, you are proud to live in a country where individuals can criticize their government, free from fear of imprisonment or harm. You might have pointed out that Bill O'Reilly enjoys this same freedom to say incendiary things, and exercises that freedom on a daily basis - and for personal gain. Instead, you took the bait and gave Fox viewers the pleasure of watching yet another frivolous attack on Sen. Obama's credibility.

You must understand that the people who watch this program are never going to vote for you. And, while I know that recently you haven't needed much prompting to turn away from thoughtfully discussion of the issues and to sound-bite style attacks, your doing so on the Fox News platform - essentially embracing the propaganda arm of the current administration -made me question my assumption that you were actually dedicated to undoing the harm that the last administration has wrought.

Women, whether or not we voted for you in our states' primaries, want to be proud of your candidacy. And, should you be elected as our nominee, we want to be able to vote for you knowing that you have the courage to recognize entrenched intolerance and stupidity for what it is, and fight to correct it. Even if that honesty means risking your own personal gain.

This race is, in fact, a proud moment for our country. Please, quit messing this up.

2 comments:

OutcrazyOphelia said...

"Women, whether or not we voted for you in our states' primaries, want to be proud of your candidacy. And, should you be elected as our nominee, we want to be able to vote for you knowing that you have the courage to recognize entrenched intolerance and stupidity for what it is, and fight to correct it. Even if that honesty means risking your own personal gain."

Really well said.

habladora said...

I think that this worry that she is purely political has been a challenge that she has been unable or unwilling to fully address. Since her war vote, people have been asking if she is willing to be unpopular in order to do what is right.