I Helped Pay for That, Too, Senator McCain

The piece of film that just made the biggest impression on me on this particular night, when Barack Obama aired his half-hour TV special, was not anything Obama presented. It was the sour grapes John McCain squeezed in reaction.

He complained about all those sinister mystery contributions, the suspicious credit card funding that's poured into the Obama campaign coffers. Not on the up-n-up. Something's undoubtedly fishy here (probably because all that money hasn't been raining down upon McCain).

Okay, Senator McCain. Wanna make something out of it? I helped underwrite that film. Me, Mary, with my piddly little credit card donations that I've inputted on numerous Obama campaign contribution forms online. You gonna set your running mate on me now - and accuse me of "palling around with terrorists"?

Well, go ahead (I'm sure you will, anyway, without the need of any prodding or double-dog-daring from me). As a matter of fact, let me introduce myself to both you AND that new gal you've been parading around on your arm lately (the brunette, not the blonde). Mr. Senator, Madam Governor, I'm one of those many people you've slapped in the face as frequently as you've gone after Barack Obama and Joe Biden. My name is Mary. I'm a wife and a mother. And, Senator McCain, it might interest you to know that I'm also an adopted daughter (for whose sake MY father would have shaken the earth in my defense, and actually did, a few times, when somebody years ago ruthlessly attacked me).

I'm a woman of faith (lifelong Catholic), semi-retired after years spent toiling in various newsrooms large and small. I put up a manger scene and a decorated tree every Christmas. I teach kids to put together red-white-and-blue toilet-paper-tube "firecrackers" for the 4th of July, and I make a ridiculously mean chocolate chip cookie. My husband and I have been together for more than three decades, in a marriage stable enough not to be threatened if Ellen and Portia or Adam and Steve decide to get married, too.

We have two kids -- both of them well-adjusted and eager to vote in the upcoming elections (although our son isn't quite old enough yet). Our daughter was taught in great honesty and full detail about how not to get pregnant -- both from us and from her school -- once her class was deemed old enough to handle sex education (Catholic school, too, mind you). Our kids were in the Brownies and Cub and Boy Scouts, and I helped with crafts and served juice boxes and snacks at every den meeting. I was an art teacher and a room mother, and my husband a musician and a Boy Scout pine car derby car builder. I am the proud member of a family that's not afraid to talk science and evolution, analysis and logic with our kids, even while we've taught them about Jesus -- AND given them as full a working knowledge as we're able -- about Mohammed, Abraham, Buddah, and the mythology of Native American tribes, among other faith/belief systems.

You may question our patriotism because we lean liberal and won't vote for you, but my husband and I are both the proud children of World War II veterans. Funny enough, neither of them EVER dropped bombs on anyone from the safe, antiseptic distance of miles overhead. Neither of our fathers raised a single weapon against his fellow man, something of which my dad, who flew photo-recon in the Air Force, was immensely proud. And my army doctor father-in-law served in a field hospital trying to stitch up the broken bodies of soldiers who'd seen the hideousness of war far more intimately than you did, Senator McCain.

I was born in "fly-over country" as were both my parents and my in-laws. I'm sure that doesn't qualify me for salvation from your partner, Ms. Palin, even if it's in the Midwest, because I was born in a big city. According to her, only the small towns are where you find REAL "Americans". So that makes me some sort of accursed political heathen, I'm sure. Never mind that at least two of my cousins and their spouses and children still live in the Midwest - on small family farms. A couple of the men among them look like they might be ready to go have a beer with your friend "Joe the Plumber", although they're far too informed to vote like the low-information voter he sadly is. Nor are they now racing to hire publicists to manage their "image" or get them book deals and recording contracts, much less spreading a lot of misinformation around to other gullible, low-information voters.

So now you know a little bit about me, and about my family, too. There, don't say I never gave you anything. We're obviously among the many "terrorists," terrorist-fraternizers, and unpatriotic, godless, anti-American vermin with our "secretive" and evidently suspect credit card Obama contributions - whom you and your snide, mean-spirited attack-dog running mate are so quick to denounce. That's me - and those I love - whom you both are insulting and insinuating shadowy doings. I'd ordinarily hope that you and Ms. Palin are only dressing up as character assassins for Halloween.

That's okay. I'm used to it by now. I've been demeaned far worse, and even threatened, by a lot of the same people who fanatically support you now, ever since 2002 when I started protesting the idea of unilateral and unjustified military intervention in Iraq. I've been condemned as a baby killer merely for insisting that I have the last word over what happens to my body. I'm smeared as a filthy "Commie" or socialist because I believe in government as a force for good, and the obligation we all have to help those less fortunate - with our tax dollars if it's beyond our capability as individuals and the need is that great. You know, that "least of My brethren" thing that the Jesus - Whom you and your understudy worship - tried to teach everybody. I can only imagine with a fair amount of horror what some of them might yell at me if I were dark-skinned.

Could it be, Senator McCain, that you're just a wee bit jealous that it isn't you raking in all those hundreds of millions of dollars? If it isn't for your benefit, then it's automatically suspect (particularly when it's for "That One" instead)?

Could it also be that I am sick and tired of being on the receiving end of this kind of intolerance and derision? I don't know which is worse - your campaign speeches stirring up the rabble or the outbursts of your angry, intolerant mobs and pathetic stunt-pullers that give you cover, justification, and spur you onward. They're bringing out the very worst in you and Ms. Palin both, and you, in turn, in them. I've asked here, before, Senator McCain, if this is really how you want to go out, if this is how you want to be remembered. I can't fathom how you'd want that, even while your behavior says you do.

Yes. I helped pay for that extravagant half-hour Obama commercial. I contribute as much as I can afford. On the other hand, the price you are paying, Senator McCain, is far more dreadful. It will be exponentially higher for all of us if you should somehow manage to win.

Comments

[graffen48]

"I don't know which is worse - your campaign speeches stirring up the rabble or the outbursts of your angry, intolerant mobs and pathetic stunt-pullers that give you cover, justification, and spur you onward."

Perfectly said, that about sums it up. This campaign ended for McCain the minute he made that fateful call to the right. Probabvly the same evening of the democratic finale in Denver. Obama threw out the bait, and McCain bit, its that simple. I'm surprised though, despite already knowing how awful McCain really was, I thought he was Machiavellian enough not to fall for an old political tactic. Obama's real brilliance comes in his uncanny ability to know when to strike, and get results, and when to hold back, and watch the wheels spin themselves. McCain lost his nerve that night, and you are seeing the results as we speak.

[Motherunit]

Well put, Mary! I'm another first-time contributor. I don't have much, but I gave what I could. I never thought I could get so excited about an election. This is also the first time since the McGovern campaign that I have volunteered for a presidential candidate. A big "Yeah - what she said!" to your awesome post.

[astockton]

Bravo (or is it "brava" since you're female), Mary? Here's another first-time contributor. There were lots of other things we could have spent the money on, but this election was and is just that important.

[NationalTreasure]

don't mess with Mary

[rogaajazz]

Thank you Mary for your commentary on what's is really going on with the McCain/Palin campaign! They (McCain/Palin) have decided the only way to win this year's election is to give voice to an extremely mean-spirited and divisive segment of our society that has nearly ruined this country the past 30-40 years.

Your're correct in stating that McCain's petty complaint about the enormous contributions Obama's campaign is just plain envy. It's obvious, at least to me, that John McCain and the rest of his Republican clan have not figured our why there is such enormous support (monetary and otherwise) for Obama's candidacy. He sees American the way most of us see America, that it's become a country sadly held hostage by a right-wing political philosophy that is anti Black, Hispanic, Muslim, Jewish, Liberal, Intellectual, etc.

Mary, thank you once again for your courage in telling the truth!

[Catewood]

Thank you, Mary. You represent so many disregarded contributors to Sen. Obama's campaign. My husband and I "live" on Social Security, so I could make only a minimum donation. But, ever more importantly, I so identify with your teaching your kids about different beliefs and different perceptions of "God". I did the same with my children. I didn't push it on them or discourage them from drawing their own conclusions from their world experiences, such as they were. We don't even talk politics, because I am independen­t-Democrat leaning liberal. Damn "L" word. Oh yeah, Love starts with the same letter. I am not willing to identify with any established, human-run religion based upon writings taken out of the context of their times. The Golden Rule and the two rules that Jesus said were most important: love God (truth/lov­e/wisdom?) above all things and love they neighbor as thyself. Neither ot those conflicts with the core beliefs of any religion that I know of. We have to reach out to one another, not just nationally, but globally. This is an extremely historical election with far-reaching consequences. I truly believe Barack Obama represents hope for the future of all of us.

[michellemtsu]

Thank you, Mary, for speaking so eloquently for those of us who are PROUD financiers of the campaign. McCain's constant belittling of everyday Americans RIGHT to free expression, be it political or not, is further proof that he just doesn't understand the country that he claims to love.

[LetMeUnderstandThis]

I think i speak for all when i say Mary your a Knock Out! here's lookin at you kid! :o)

Now we have 5 day left, let us show T.A.P. (The Angry POW) what Real Americans can do!

Obama/Biden08

[mortybob]

Fantastic post by Mary Lyon.
I wholeheartedly agree. I confess I have been a frequent, but small contributor to the Obama campaign for some time now. My state does not allow early voting, but in effect I have been voting early for Barack Obama with my small contributions. This is the Democracy of small donations at work. I will vote for Barack Obama on Tuesday Nov.4, and, I must admit, ALL Democrats on the ballot. I do not fear a Democratic Party dominated House and Senate. We may need both to try to begin to reverse Reagonomics and get the economy working for the middle class again.

[librashell]

"This is the Democracy of small donations at work." Hear, hear. Better 1,000,000 of us with our $25 or $2000 than one huge corporation with its millions. Each individual dollar is an expression of our democratic voice.

Mary - great post, you hit it on the head.

[jinxed]

Well written and states my thoughts as if you read my mind. I have never donated to a political campaign before either. When/if we are blessed enough to have a President Obama, he will be saddled with the enormous problems that have been left behind by his incompetent predecessor. We know things are bad but Obama will find out exactly HOW bad it REALLY IS. He has my prayers and best wishes. Because he has a brain and is not afraid to use it, he may actually solve most of our country's problems given enough time.

IMHO, I don't understand why McCain/Palin even want to be elected. George has spent us into such a big hole there probably isn't anything left for Mac to spend. Maybe that's the whole point. McCain/Palin will raid Social Security to pay off the mess. Then the old, sick and infirm will be living on the streets with all the other homeless that sprang into existence with the advent of Ronald Reagan, the "great man" according to all Republicans. I'm still trying to figure out where the teachings of Christ fit in here, been trying for thirty years with no success.

[ElBruce]

I paid. worth every penny.

I also have been incredibly, personally insulted by most all of what McCain is saying. I know that where I live would never be considered "real America" by them, and because I am interested in the the substance of public policy rather than dancing like a monkey for the rubes, that probably makes me a terrorist in their eyes as well.

There might have been a chance that you could have had my vote, McCain. Then you and your gosh-darn sidekick started insulting me and everyone I know who has half a brain or doesn't live in the sticks. Congratulations, you managed to flip the dynamics on the "elitism" thing - to your detriment. I wouldn't have thought it possible.

[JohnGrrr]

I paid for it too. Damn proud I did.

[Theresa2]

Ditto. How dare he question the authenticity of Obama supporters while daring anyone to question why his supporters scream racial slurs and threaten our candidate with bodily harm. Wonderful post! Thanks for giving voice to our outrage.

[naewing]

I remember all too well the feeling of disenfranchisement I felt the day after election day 2004. I hope never to feel so on-the-outside in my own country again.
Your story could be mine...
My husband and I also helped pay for that half hour special, and we're very proud of it.
I never cease to be amazed at how little John McCain and Sarah Palin understand the mood in this country at this time. It is obvious to me that the money Senator Obama has raised came from other people, mad as hell, just like me. How is it the Republicans just don't get that?

[Lonestarmom]

Wonderful post....I too paid for the infomercial and I am proud of it! In my 51 years I never contributed to a political campaign until this year! I contribute what I can each month...

[wisewomcat]

Great post! I'm so tired of having my patriotism questioned by people so stupid that I seriously doubt they could even define what "patriotism" means.