|
Here in Michigan, we are seeing some of the stupidest ads on the planet against Proposal 2 (which allows Stem Cell Research).
Apparently, we are all about to be attacked by Killer Clones if we vote for it.
This leads me to the obvious thought that apparently Republicans have trouble distinguishing between 'real' problems (Parkinson's, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, sickle cell anemia, and spinal cord injuries, for example), and 'imaginary' ones -- like killer clones.
9-11 comes to mind pretty quickly. When warned about a 'real' problem (Bin Ladin determined to strike with airplanes), instead of beefing up airport security, and figuring out how to disable a few terrorists on a plane, they ignored the problem, and now, we *all* combat terrorism every time we get on a plane by --
Taking off our shoes.
When told that our borders weren't secure, they offered to sell the contracts for maintaining our port security to a foreign company, instead of having folks open and/or look in containers.
The Food and Drug Administration got raped because folks were afraid of 'oversight' and not e-coli; I've lost count of the reports on everything from 'killer tomatoes' to 'deadly spinach' since.
Dogs can be trained to sniff things like drugs and bomb-making material out, but apparently we don't have enough of them (but we have tens of thousands being put to sleep in shelters annually). Machines can be calibrated to detect 'weapons' (which now include knitting needles and sewing snips), but apparently, the best technology folks out there have been told repeatedly that their services are not required.
The message is always the same -- BE AFRAID. BE AFRAID. BE VERY AFRAID.
I am more afraid of the average idiot republican than I am of al-quaida or bin Ladin.
Then again, I am neither an idiot, nor a coward, and I can distinguish between Hollywood ENTERTAINMENT and a legitimate public concern.
Locally, that means finding cures for Parkinson's, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's, sickle cell anemia, and spinal cord injuries will get my support; nationally, I'll vote for Obama.
And later, when the election is over, I'll watch a George Lucas movie or two, complete with popcorn and some milk duds.
|