Are Arabs Terrorists?

On a recent John McCain’s rally at Lakeville, Minnesota, held on October 10, a woman, who supports the venerable senator from Arizona, expressed her dismay publicly at the alleged heritage of Senator Barack Obama. She seemed preoccupied with the future of our country. As all of us do.

Apparently this well-intentioned political activist had her intellect temporarily kidnapped by the odd belief that Mr. Obama was an “Arab,” and as such he may be dangerous to our future. God forbid an Arab (whatever that may actually mean to the public’s imaginary) reaches the highest position in our government.

Thankfully to our democratic “way of life” Senator McCain sat the record straight for all of us by clarifying that Senator Obama is not an Arab and that he deserves respect, not only because he knows him personally but also because, most notably, he is not an Arab.

The assertion not only vindicates McCain for allowing his loyal and small legions to scream life-threatening profanities at earlier events, including that of his fellow “maverick,” but also leave us with a greater sense of safety, if the “black dude” from Illinois wins the election we will not fall under the reign of a terrorist Muslim and neither you nor any of your sisters will be forced into marrying someone like “that one,” as Senator McCain referred of Mr. Obama during the second Presidential debate.

There are observations, reflections and contemplations that soar above and beyond tax, health and education policy considerations. Statements, insinuations and innuendos of such lewd nature override all other concerns. There are statements and then, there are statements… silence concedes… repeated silence instigates…

Can we trust our overtly deteriorated foreign policy and image to the irresponsible hands of candidates whose main tactic in the face of despair has been to pander to the feelings of the lowest common denominator at their base?

How much should the character and integrity of an individual count when it comes to the race for the White House?

At this point, and so close to election time, we have heard as much as we will ever hear before D-day about economic policy and the situation in the Middle East, histrionics and theatrics notwithstanding.

We have a clear battle between a progressive and a regressive economic and social platform, reactionaries versus liberals, and character and personality profiles should play a significant role in the minds of voters.

While it seems clear that true blues and reds have made up their minds by now, there may be a bunch of undecided folk out there who may be scratching their heads trying to figure out the difference between Obama’s and McCain’s health and tax plan.

These have become secondary issues by now, what counts is character and integrity because we are going to face some tough times ahead of us and we will need a steady stewardship at the helm.

Moreover, as the current crisis shows, the economic and social progress of a country depends, on a significant measure, on the moral fortitude of our leaders. The lady from Minnesota can sleep in peace tonight, our next President is not a terrorist, McCain himself said so.

-- Luis Brunstein