I've noticed in several website comment threads that folks are having a fun time mocking John McCain for his age.  I expect it will continue and it's tempting to join in. We can have fun with "McThuselah" jokes up to a certain point without a problem.  But I'll play the part of the scold and make a prediction: nasty age-related comments will be used in an attempt to neutralize racist comments against Barack Obama. "How can you get upset about (insert racist statement here) while saying (insert ageist statement here)?  It's harder to notice age-based discrimination and  harassment than it is to notice race-based discrimination and harassment.  After all, we all get older, right?

Discrimination and abuse against the elderly is a real and under-reported problem in our society.  Most older Americans can take a light-hearted jab without a problem; there's no need for over-sensitive "political correctness."  But as the intensity of the campaign shifts from Obama/Clinton to Obama/McCain, I'm making a plea to be careful with what you say.  Anger against McCain and his policies: yes.  Anger against McCain and his age: no. 

Age may become an electoral landmine.  Older Americans aren't the heaviest internet users, but they are the most likely demographic to vote.  And every vote counts.  Be careful out there.

It is interesting that the candidate that most emulates the Bill Clinton '92 campaign style is not Hillary Clinton, but Barack Obama.  Directly confronting the uncomfortable realities of American racism, this was the '08 campaigns' Sistah Souljah moment.  Just as Bill Clinton used the offensive words of an obscure rapper to demonstrate his ability to cross the racial divide, Barack Obama has used the offensive words of his own pastor to establish himself as a leader for Americans of all races.

Obama's speech addressed racism in a way that confronts and elevates all Americans.  With honesty and passion, he spoke his truth and his story to America.  Now we await America's response. 

Crooks and Liars has a much more detailed, well written version of the thoughts I was trying to convey in my previous post.  Give it a read and pass it on.

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/03/16/remembering-another-jeremiah/#more-27328

Here's a contrarian view on the flap over the comments by Barack Obama's minister.  Rev. Wright, in full fury, said, "God da*n America" in a fiery sermon.  All good Democrats ran scurrying for cover, including Senator Obama.  The Republican spin machine, without even trying, went effortlessly into faux outrage mode.

And America yawned.

Americans go to church and Americans have heard passionate preaching since, well, the beginning of America.  For the past two decades, the outrage, the prophetic voice of the American church, has been from the right.  The Moral Majority, Promisekeepers, Christian Coalition, Focus on the Family and thousands of associated ministries have pounded the message that America is in danger of suffering for its sins.  Remember the instant reaction to 9/11 from many ministers was that God was giving the U.S. its' due. 

The message from the right, while not as direct as Rev. Wright's statement, is not much different.  Primarily because of abortion and gay rights, God's judgement is coming upon this country.  AKA God da*n America.

The prophetic voice of the church has taken a left turn in the past few year.  Primarily because of concern over the environment, but also due to poverty, genocide, third world development and (still) civil rights concerns, the liberal church is capturing the ear of America.  Even the Southern Baptist Convention is engaged in dialogue.

Don't hear me wrong; Rev. Wright crossed a line and his intemperate remarks could not be ignored by Senator Obama.  But the anger from the left that used to be a cardinal sin is now a simply a venial sin.  The reason for this is simple:  Americans understand Rev. Wrights' viewpoint and increasingly agree with it.