Criticizing McCain's campaign tactics.

In the 1970's, Francis Schaeffer was a conservative Christian icon. He was the first I knew about who gave an intelligent sounding critique of popular culture. Among many other books, Schaeffer wrote How Should We Then Live that has recently been reworked by more contemporary conservative Christian pundits. Working with Francis Schaeffer was his son Frank (or as he was known then, Frankie). Sometime in the last 10 years or so, Frank repudiated his Father's religious stance and converted to Orthodox Christianity.

In an op-ed piece for the Baltimore Sun, published on Oct. 10, Frank Schaeffer was scathingly critical of the tone of comments made by the McCain-Palin campaign. You can read the whole piece at www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.mccain10oct10,0,7557571.story.

One section that I would share here is the following:
John McCain, you are no fool, and you understand the depths of hatred that surround the issue of race in this country. You also know that, post- 9/11, to call someone a friend of a terrorist is a very serious matter. You also know we are a bitterly divided country on many other issues. You know that, sadly, in America, violence is always just a moment away. You know that there are plenty of crazy people out there.

Stop! Think! Your rallies are beginning to look, sound, feel and smell like lynch mobs.

Do you think the rhetoric from the McCain-Palin campaign has contributed to any sense of the divisiveness in our country? Do you think the comments from their crowds that have not been challenged by either of the candidates - though Senator McCain did correct one person at a rally - is indicative of the true mood of our country or an election year aberration? Have you seen or heard similar types of comments made at Obama-Biden rallies?

More importantly, do you think our country can ever become more unified or are we forever split into different interest groups that has no desire to work with those who disagree with them?