Just a quick diary to share my response sent to me by my sister-in-law. A little background: we live in California. My brother's wife comes from a conservative area (central coast), is Catholic, and has a family background in law enforcement. My brother has always been fairly independent/libertarian but he's supporting Obama this year. He's told me that they have just decided to not talk about politics, so it was a bit surprising when I received a forwarded e-mail entitled "Holy Cow!"
I won't put the e-mail here -- it's NOT an "Obama is a Muslim" e-mail, it's more full of "facts" about the Obama tax plan, the usual pro-life malarkey, misstating Obama's position on gay marriage, and a diatribe against "socialized medicine."
My mother (an Obama supporter and volunteer) stayed up late last night until I came home so she could tell me how appalled and hurt she was to receive an e-mail full of lies, and about the response she'd written to my sister-in-law. (I want to say for the record that we absolutely love the sister-in-law, she's a great mother and warm, positive person; she and my mom both lost their mothers at about the same time, so she's become part of our family).
I had to sleep on it because when I read the e-mail my blood pressure went up about nine million. I thought maybe the e-mail was sent to me by mistake, because it was just so -- insulting! This person wants to get into an argument with ME about socialism? Sure, I'm only getting my Ph.D. in the arts, but something's telling me that this very nice person with a high school diploma can't hang with me on a conversation about Adam Smith and the limits of free-market capitalism, let alone have a deeper understanding of the historical demonization of the term "socialist" and how it functions as a fear tactic among low-information voters across a century of American politics.
So this is what I wrote this morning, trying to channel my inner Obama.
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Dear ---:
I know my mom wrote you about this. I just want you to know that she and I have been doing quite a bit of research on our own and there are a lot of things here that are simply incorrect. Some are a matter of opinion, but most of the financial/tax analysis you have here, and the characterization of Obama's proposed health care plan, are simply wrong. If you'd like better information (from a variety of non-partisan sources) I can send them to you. For instance, calling "socialized medicine" something that is equivalent to or would turn America into a "third-world" country is ridiculous, as every major industrialized nation -- every FIRST world country -- has some form of universal governmental health care. Sweden, England, France, Germany, Australia, and Israel are not "third-world" countries, and their kids are healthier and smarter than ours. I could just as easily say "We don't want banks because they have banks in third-world countries!"
What disturbs me about this particular lie is that behind it, there is the subtle idea that "We" (the US) certainly don't want to be like "Them" (the "third-world" country where people probably have a different skin color). If you or anyone does not want the government involved in health care, then there are legitimate reasons (based on historical evidence as well as political/economic theory) that could be made without making someone afraid of the US turning into a non-white nation. The fear of "socialism" in general I think is pretty silly because a number of elements of our society are socialized (schools, cops, armies, prisons, and now apparently banks), but that's a more extended discussion.
I'm very, very sure that you have excellent reasons for voting the way you do, and I'm so proud to live in a country where political discussion and dissent is encouraged. This nation was founded by people rebelling against the established rule of power: the patriots were agitators and believers of all different stripes who came together and formed a country where they knew people would always disagree about how things should work, and we're all part of that discussion. So I'm not at all trying to change your mind.
But I don't think it does anyone a service when people on either side don't take care of the harm that is done when they spread "facts" that are tinged with fear and bias. For the record, I frequently post comments on a very left-wing website and say that I don't think it's fair to criticize Sarah Palin for her Christianity; I wish she'd answer questions about what she believes in the way Obama has, so I could better understand her. But I absolutely think it's wrong for people to say "she's one of those crazy evangelicals" because I grew up around crazy evangelicals and they are good, if not GREAT, people, and they're not all extremists. I personally feel insulted when people make fun of Palin or Bush for their religion; one of the papers on my resume (and that I have presented at conferences) is an analysis and defense of Bush's Christianity, written from the point of view of someone who completely disagrees with his politics. I completely understand that there are those on both sides (left and right, not "Obama" and "McCain") who try to hurt each other, and I just have to do my best to point it out when I see it and respectfully ask that we try to have a more substantive discussion, or else just agree to disagree.
I do hope that whatever happens in a couple of weeks you understand that for myself (and my mom) there is a very important historical precedent being set, outside of politics. The possibility of a person of color becoming President is so awesome historically to contemplate. It touches us all deeply in complex and sometimes disturbing ways, but it is profound. No one person is responsible for what is being said on either side, it's a discussion that this country has had for a long, long time, and it's very intense right now. I hope that even if people are on different sides politically, we can all be on the same side of history, and marvel at the way things can change.
I mean, really. THE TAMPA BAY RAYS ARE IN THE WORLD SERIES. It's kinda crazy time.
Tell you kids I love them, and I love you.
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UPDATE: My sister in law wrote back to myself, my mother, and my brother (her husband). Here's what she said, and my response follows:
I am so glad to hear all of your responses. I usually delete most the "junk emails" that I get re: the election/candidates. However, I was very curious to hear what you thought about this one. To, be honest I still have not made up my mind. I am trying really hard to put aside my religious beliefs and vote for the candidate that will get our country through the next 4 years and make it a better place than today. So, as I continue to listen, read and research I appreciate your opinions
My response:
I know there's a lot of confusing information about both sides. I do admit I'm biased but I try to find analysis that takes into consideration all sides. If there is a specific area of Obama's plans (or Obama himself) that you are unsure about, I'm happy to answer any questions.
Thanks to everyone for the good vibes. It looks like we still might be able to convince my sister-in-law to vote for Obama -- if not, she'll at least have more respect for him after the election, and respect our support of him.