A "Non-Racist Reason to be Racist"

I am an African American woman who is totally appalled at the fact that such an incompetent candidate could even be considered for an office as high as Governor, more so Vice President. She stands against all those things that we as woman have fought so hard to attain. For Palin to receive the support she has, proves to me that "race" is a major issue in this campaign, and the people who see her as a viable candidate are desperate to find a "non-racist reason to be be racist."
-Mildred G., 50, OH

I am a supporter of Barack Obama, but consider myself an independent. I am frightened by the level of out right hatred and dangerous politics that has been started by the McCain/Palin ticket and inciting their most rabid followers. I feel that it is the beauty of America to be able to disagree, yet come together to solve our problems. This type of smear campaign goes beyond being a bad leader, it really overturns the rock of ignorance that unfortunately still exists in this country. I am very scared that with everyone already on edge over their own pocketbooks, that this type of behavior will result in violence that we won't be able to stop. Thank you for proving to me that there are responsible Republicans/Conservatives who are able to be rational thinkers and work with people like me to improve our situation together.
-Laura S., MN

The cry of hate and fear mongering coming from the Palin/McCain campaign is against everything I stand for. How can any woman who claims to be a Christian church member spread such lies and false innuendos about Barack Obama? Sarah Palin may or may not understand that she is playing with fire when she tells audiences that Obama pals around with terrorists. I seriously wonder about the common sense of the people who sit and listen to this hateful language and don't get up and leave.
Sarah Palin is the DANGEROUS candidate in this race, not Barack Obama. And John McCain has no conscience or morality since he is allowing this festering situation to continue.
-Joan S., San Diego, CA

Sarah Palin is attacking Obama and spreading lies about his so-called dealings with terrorists. I don’t know how you can say that you don’t play the political game, and then spread these horrible racist lies.
-Christian, NC

McCain supporters have been spoon-fed hatred and fear and now, in these rallies, McCain is faced with the monster he has created. I saw one woman, who said she feared Obama because he was an Arab, seek comfort for her confusion when McCain softly told her that he was not an Arab. There have been hateful and violent calls against Barack Obama in these Republican rallies when NOW is the time America so deeply needs to operate with strength, intelligence, wisdom, respect and dignity. The puppetry of Sarah Palin needs a new puppetmaster. Senator McCain? Please let go of your "win at any cost" tactics and treat those who love and follow you with your wisdom and dignity as a great American. If you cannot win based upon intelligence and your love of country, at least you can finish with self-respect and that you have not further pumped your people with hatred, fear and terror. We don't need hate-filled Americans feeling so much misinformed fear that they physically strike out against another human being. Please.
-Heather C., 56, CA

Yesterday my OBAMA yard sign was knocked down. This was my personal property posted on my property. This has never happened in all the years I have proudly shown my political affiliations. I will replace it! But feel this small act was indicative of something much larger.
During a time of national and world crisis and war wagering we have a candidate and his running mate who have chosen to be so divisive, devious and desperate as to indicate that his opposition is a terrorist, of questionable nationality, religion and patriotism. And they wonder why the crazies are coming out of the woodwork?
They are purposefully inciting horrible reactions!
-Mary P.

This is an historic election in our country; we have the opportunity to elect an extremely intelligent, dynamic, motivational leader, who just happens to be African-American, to guide us through these challenging and turbulent times. We must recognize, however, that this candidate is at a special risk because there are many in our society who are not ready to accept this monumental change. For Sarah Palin and John McCain to stoke these hatreds at their political rallies is unconscionable.
-Suzanne, 62

Rather than coming forth with viable solutions to the issues of most importance that are related to the floundering economy, health care, and the Iraq war - Palin and McCain are choosing to cloud the issue and muddy the waters solely because they have no creative solutions, nor have they been able to come up with a clear agenda related to how we can begin to move forward from the abysmal situation that has been brought about from the last eight years.
I blame John McCain for not stepping forth to STOP Palin's vitriotic outburst and say, "No more! This has NO place in a decent, respectful America". He is failing himself and his party when he tolerates this unpatriotic and destructive political tactic. I, for one, have lost total respect for any of McCain's prior heroic feats as a war veteran and a prisoner of war. It is becoming ever more obvious to me that he is truly motivated not by a sense duty toward his country, but seems motivated solely by arrogance and an ever-increasing sense of subtle intolerance and bias toward his opponent.
-Lois A.