Smear Not, Lest Ye Be Smeared

Smearing is what one does when their own Side doesn't have anything (or much) to brag about.

Last time I advocated a candidate I applauded their positives, and "smeared" the positions of opponents.

"My guy ended state income tax in his state, and revenues increased! He wants to do the same thing in Washington, D.C.!" I crowed. "The other folks worship the IRS that most Americans don't like, trust or understand."

Smearing is personal. "So-and-so is a fink!" Making it personal is one of the most tremendous parts of the bi-polarization of politics in the U.S.

If the readers of this blog met face-to-face at a grocery store, nine out of ten times we would get along well and politely. But Reader A calls Reader B's "representative" a liar or a murderer or a tyrannt or a crook . . . and Reader B becomes either a fool for supporting the person, or is a liar, murderer, tyrannt or crook as well.

So, I don't go for "smears" on any Side. Tell me what they have accomplished, and what their plan is to accomplish further, don't show off how good they are are making someone into a "villain." That's beauty pageant cat-fighting and doesn't belong on an elementary school playground, let alone in the halls of government, in the media, or on friendly forums.