Negative campaigning comes at a cost

I am troubled. I am disappointed. I fear for our country! Growing quietly as a by-product of the negative campaigning being brought forth by the McCain/Palin ticket are an increasing number of hostile shouts and “attacks.” Shouts of “terrorist” at a Palin rally, the harassing and throwing of racist literature at reporters in Clearwater, Fla.

Are we headed for that kind of growing violent behavior nationwide at the hands of the McCain/Palin campaign? Is it not ironic that as late as last month John and Cindy McCain promised America that they would “run a respectful campaign,” adhering to the “highest standards?”

Is this their idea of high standards and respect? Or is it a sign of desperation and erratic frantic behavior? Will the negativity and lies continue until someone gets hurt or, god forbid, killed? And then will they then stand up and admit that perhaps it wasn’t a good idea?

Politics are politics but not at a time when our country is in such economic turmoil … a time when ordinary, hard-working Americans are losing their jobs at an alarming rate and are left wondering how they will pay their mortgages and health insurance premiums.

Desperate, uncertain times call for a calm level-headed honest approach. Not a smutty, down in the gutter, no-holds-bar campaign.

For when dawn breaks on Nov. 4, what will have ultimately been the cost?

Cynthia Routledge

Clarksville, Tenn.