BLANT SEXISM & CRUDENESS...

"The wife" and I have agreed to disagree with regard to the two remaining candidates in the Democratic primary. But one thing we absolutely agree on is the subtle and not-so-subtle (as in blatant) sexism and crudeness surrounding Senator Hillary Clinton that has emerged in the public discourse.

She points to an example in a "Letters to the Editor" in our local paper several weeks ago. It read, "Are Americans naïve enough to vote for a dame who thinks she’s a guy? Can someone who is so confused about her own identity coherently run the greatest nation on earth? I, for one, shudder at the prospect.”

What would happen, she asks, if that same letter were to read: “Are Americans ready to vote for a Black who thinks he’s (fill in the blank with an offensive remark)? Can someone who is so confused about his own (fill in the word 'race') coherently run the greatest nation on earth? I, for one, shudder at the prospect.”

The challenge is, that is really subtle compared to the vulgar internet jokes, barroom cracks and toxic conservative talk show chatter I've heard. And Senator John McCain's "non-response" to the "How do we beat the B****?" question posed to him during a campaign stop does not bode well for the up-coming general election.

How would Mr. McCain feel if that question were directed at his mother, wife or his adopted daughter? And where does this irrational fear of Senator Clinton come from?

There is talk about hope these days; about a better America. I hope that also means a change in the political discourse. Personally I'd like to thank the women in my life who make this man more aware.