Election Commentary: Tim Higgins
Written by Tim Higgins | | letters@toledofreepress.comSounds of Political Silence
Tim Higgins
“Hello darkness my old friend. I’ve come to talk to you again”
These lyrics begin an old Simon and Garfunkel tune that many of my generation are familiar with, “The Sounds of Silence”. Written in 1964 as a commentary by Paul Simon on the trauma he felt in the aftermath of the Kennedy assassination, it became an instant hit for the duo, was released on two different albums (one of the same name), and used in the movie “The Graduate” as well. I use the song here to describe the almost deafening silence to be heard in the aftermath of the election. After what seems like years of non-stop news coverage, commercials, and pundits from both sides of the aisle telling us what we thought and felt; it’s finally over.
Though we seem to say this during every election, never before in history has so much been spent in order to achieve the highest office in the land. Over $1.6 billion has been raised and $1.3 billion spent by the combined efforts of the McCain and Obama campaigns. This amount does not even begin to talk about the additional prodigious spending done at the Congressional, state, and local levels. In spite of the so-called protections that were to be provided by recent campaign finance reform legislation, this amount is nearly double the totals from the 2004 election. As a consequence of all of this money, we have been literally bombarded with the babble of non-stop media campaigns on television and radio for (and more often against) candidates at every level this year.
As for the behavior of the media itself, never has such a shameful display been made. I will not speak of bias, as many before me have more than adequately dealt with the subject. I will speak instead of an industry not fulfilling its self-appointed obligation. The news media, in all of its forms, is the watchdog of the common man. Its task is to seek for the truth and present it, no matter whom it affects and how uncomfortable it is. In this mission, it has failed miserably during this election. Certainly the campaigns can be accused of being complicit in distracting the voter and the press from uncomfortable information, but that’s not new and the press should have been able to deal with it. Instead, they have chosen to make themselves complicit in the process. They chose to edit the information revealed to the voting public and when it should be revealed, doing both themselves and the voters a disservice.
Because of this media complicity, perhaps more than ever before, campaigns have taken on an air of advertising. We select candidates in the same way that we buy cars and toothpaste. No more are we asked to decide on an elected representative based on their long-standing beliefs, their views on critical subjects, and their vision for the future. Today instead, we are fed a steady diet of slick campaign slogans, soundbites, and fabricated heroic images. Neither major party is immune to the process and its abuse to gain power, while attempting to silence dissenting voices (and especially that of those not of the two major parties). Both work to hire the best and brightest experts to take advantage of the bastardized process that they have created in a flagrant restriction of the very free speech they are supposed to protect. While the election of 2008 is now over, we are going to have to examine this process more closely going forward. We must decide as a people what free speech is, and who will get to set the rules by which it is governed.
In the meantime, let us take a small break in the process. We, like the candidates, have run a long race. We deserve a chance to rest and recover our breath. And in the peace and quiet of the moment, as we wait for the dust to settle in the election of 2008, we can all enjoy the “sounds of silence”.
Michael got out a little early on me with the first posting, which was meant for later in the week; but I believe that it remains valid in spite of being premature.
Speaking of early, I was at the polls bright and early this morning in order to perform my civic duty before moving on to my normal work day. The line was surprisingly long, as it appears that everyone had the same idea that I did and decided to come early and avoid the crush (thus creating it). My wait was only about thirty-five minutes however, and the poll workers seemed well organized, moving us through the line efficiently. Any boredom that I felt in line was soon relieved by a fellow citizen who said that they had been at the polling place since 5:30 AM (one hour before it opened) and had voted fifth. While I might be able to see spending an hour outside in the cold for the next “Star Wars” movie or the big Christmas sale at Wal-Mart, I’m not sure that I can add voting to that list. I look at voting more like boarding an airplane, as long as you get there before they close the doors it doesn’t matter if you are first or last.
OK, now that I have got this thing rolling, I will try to add to it as time goes on. You continue to follow along at your own risk.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 4:03 pmWell, the first nonsense is in as far as voter intimidation, with Fox News reporting that two Black Panthers in uniform were standing outside of a polling place in Philadelphia. One of these gentlemen allegedly had a nightstick. A poll observer called the police after being confronted by the individual with the nightstick and they were subsequently taken away, though the Black Panthers remain outside of the polling location. In addition, Republican Party election board members have been tossed out of a half-dozen local polling places because of their party status.
Philadelphia has a history of such behavior, with rigged voting machines showing 2000 votes for John Kerry before the polls had opened and a man brandishing a gun intimidating poll workers at another polling place in the 2004 election.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 5:28 pmVoted at 6:30 – was not disenfranchised in any way – but it was in The Vill!
I will be at the LCRP party tonight downtown yelling at the screens and having an adult beverage. If I stayed home, my wife and kids would kick me out.
Thanks for taking on the commentary task, and good luck Tim.
TAHL
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 6:48 pmFor those of you who read my first posting for the day on the blog site, I am happy to inform you that I have firmly established Phase I of my election coverage.
I listened to John McCain talk about his chances on Brian Wilson’s show on WSPD, but assumed that the Senator would have to put a good face on it regardless of what he put his chances at. Soon after however, I heard Rich Galen, the author of Mullings, speak on the same subject. I read Mr Galen’s information every week and consider him a credible source. While I know he is a Republican supporter, the fact that he considers that some key battleground states (like OH and PA) could well go McCain’s way must be taken seriously. This election may be far closer than most of the MSM (Mainstream Media) believes, and it will be interesting to watch the spin.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 6:51 pmIn spite of the fact that Warner (D) looks to pick up the Senate seat in Virginia, McCain looks to be ahead in the presidential vote. This is a critical race for Sen McCain and one that he cannot afford to lose. If he does win, perhaps Rich Galen’s predictions may hold true.
As for the vote in Ohio, it looks like Obama is gaining a larger share than expected.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 8:48 pmNo matter what the final results are, it has to be said that for the first time in years, the American electorate has gotten off of its collective *** and voted. This is a landmark in recent US elections and speaks well for the “silent majority”.
As a Conservative, I would be happier if the votes being taken were based on the concepts of freedom and responsibility, subjects that were little discussed during the campaign; but the idea that the voters are indeed taking an interest in the election process is is a step in right direction.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 8:53 pmFox is beginning to call PA for Obama. This would be a significant setback to the McCain effort if true. The fact that it is in play however makes the whole thing fun.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 9:41 pmlay off the wine. No one is into this “freedom, liberty, individual responsibilty” crap anymore.
It’s Gimme Gimme Gimme – Obama will pay my mortgage and fill my gas tank.
FOX should hire that women as their new News Analyst. The intellectual level of the next 4
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 9:44 pmyears will not exceed that level of mindlessness.
For those of you keeping track, the move from Phase I through to Phase III has occurred seamlessly. The surprises have been few, but the fun continues.
I can only thank goodness for the depth of my humidors in such situations.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 9:54 pmWhile I am afraid that you are right Brian, the only hope that I am interested in is the “freedom, liberty, and individual responsibility” that you speak of.
A vote for anything else is a betrayal of the principles I (and you) believe in. I mourn with you.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 10:00 pmIt appears obvious that the Democrats will pick up seats in both the House and the Senate. We do not yet know whether the next president will be “veto proof”, but the checks and balance should be noticed.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 10:09 pmAfter “Taps”for the Republic is played later this evening, I’ll take comfort in knowing what I will maintain the resolve to stand for the principles that makes (made?) America great.
What’s sad is the loss of the “rugged American Individualism” that outed buttwipes and girlie-boys like Obama & Co.
As noted, ya can’t have Freedom and Liberty without Individual Repsonsibility — and Obama has -0- interest in that.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 10:10 pmIs it just me, or does everyone else look at James Carville as a cartoon character? The man needs to write a diet book and move one, no mattter how intelligent his wife is.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 10:12 pmBrian,
Your stance is both principled and correct. It is only when this country understands the concept of freedom and personal responsibility that our form of government will progress.
Unfortunately, that appears to be at least one election away.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 10:17 pmCNN just announced Ohio for Obama. As this was one of the critical states, we should be able to assume that the election is over. I doubt however that this is the case.
It will be 72 hours before anyone know s what the results will be .
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 10:43 pmTim, my boy, don’t think it hasn’t been fun!
Turn the lights out, will ya?
See ya at the Wine Bar………..
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 10:45 pmHope springs eternal, but I freely admit to defeat.
The wine bar will not take away the pain, but may permit a suitable wake for the principle of freedom and personal responsibility.
I will prepare the Eulogy.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 10:55 pmJust heard that Texas will be called for McCain. Small notice will be paid, but this is one of the states achieving economic growth..
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 10:58 pmAll hail the PRNA (People’s Republic of North America).
It appears that we are beyond the point where the Obama train can be derailed.
We will all come to live with the required loss of freedom, but this too will pass.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 11:17 pmMy hand is unsteady and my voice is hoarse, but there is a large person of the female persuasion who would like to sing. I think perhaps that I will let her.
On a personal note, Stage IV is in full swing, testing the depth of my liquor cabinet and my humidors.
Anyone looking for me need only to look for a man in black holding his forehead as in pain.
This comment was posted on November 4th, 2008 at 11:47 pm