No one will ever be able to accuse me of supporting George W. Bush, but it took four short seconds to truly point out to me what this election is really all about. Those four seconds are from the latest Bush campaign ad, four seconds of footage from 9.11. Of course, these four seconds aren't anything that we haven't seen before- repeatedly, in fact- but it was the context in which they were used that I find so shocking.
The Bush campaign has demonstrated that there is now no depth to which it will not sink in order to win this election. Bush has politicized one of the most tragic events in American history, and in so doing has trivialized the senseless murder of over 3000 men, women, and children.
Understandably, the families of those who died are offended. Anyone with a shred of decency should be offended. 9.11 is not an event that should be politicized- by ANYONE- and doing so only serves to demonstrate the craven, win-at-all costs, take-no-prisoners mentality of the Bush campaign.
Clearly, George W. Bush seems comfortable with the idea of using the deaths of 3000+ Americans as some sort of proof that he is fighting the good fight against terrorism. It is, after all, about winning, isn't it?
Is this the type of leader that we want? Are really willing to accept a President who is willing to do anything, no matter how craven or offensive in order to achieve and maintain power? Personally, I am offended that someone who prides himself on his "strong leadership" would stoop to measures that so clearly reek of desperation.
George W. Bush owes the families of those who died, and indeed all Americans, an apology. To my more Conservative readers, let me make it clear that, yes, I'd be saying the same thing if John Kerry has used the same tactics. There are some things that should be beyond the pale, that should be sacrosanct and out of bounds, even in a political campaign. 9.11 belongs at the top of that list. It's too bad that the Bush campaign lacks such a basic level of common decency. We deserve (and should demand) better from our Chief Executive.
