"Insist that each political candidate define what they would do to make this a better community — not a more bigoted one."

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LTE: Political Ads Need Integrity
By Andy Crossfield, August 3, 2014

A recent letter urged voters not to tolerate ugly political ads.

I'm all for that.

The problem I have with the writer is in their definition of ugly.

According to the letter, the primary race of Colleen Burton and her opponent John Shannon had gone too far.

In print and TV ads, charges of "liberal" were made about Mrs. Burton.

Let's examine this issue a little closer.

Are these ads motivated by a cold, calculated, lust for power?

Yes, but there is much more to it than that.

What does the group that conceived of and spent its contributors' money to buy these ads think of their target market?

Do they really have such a low opinion of us that they think this will get them votes?

And what does it say about someone who thinks the most vile, repugnant thing they can say about somebody is that they're a liberal?

Do we really live in a society that hates liberals more than anyone else?

Are the folks that fight each day for safe working conditions, fair wages, clean air, security for seniors, civil rights for minorities and demand respect for a woman's vote and choice really vile?

If some Republicans bristle over being thought greedy and callous to the working people's pain, then stop adopting the causes of those who are.

Reject these ads for what they are, a thinly veiled attempt to widen the gap between classes, where those pushing for increased rights for all people, not just a select few, are rebuked for no other reason than that silly labels have won votes in the past.

Don't be manipulated by fear.

Insist that each political candidate define what they would do to make this a better community — not a more bigoted one.
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