"And to discriminate only generates hate ..."

" ... Can you practice what you preach
Would you turn the other cheek?
Father Father Father help us
Send some guidance from above
Cause people got me got me questioning
Where is the love? "-- The Black Eyed Peas

I grew up in the liberal bastion known as San Francisco. I realize that San Francisco politics are not at all representative of most other places in the country or even other parts of California. But during the past week I was repeatedly hit over the head with reminders that I'm certainly not in Kansas anymore.

Earlier this week a local Republican group made headlines with its depiction of Barack Obama on a fake food stamp. The full article regarding this, including the illustration, can be found here. I couldn't bear copying that offensive image onto my blog, but it can be described as follows (from the article):

The latest newsletter by an Inland Republican women's group depicts Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama surrounded by a watermelon, ribs and a bucket of fried chicken, prompting outrage in political circles.

The October newsletter by the Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated says if Obama is elected his image will appear on food stamps -- instead of dollar bills like other presidents. The statement is followed by an illustration of "Obama Bucks" -- a phony $10 bill featuring Obama's face on a donkey's body, labeled "United States Food
Stamps."

As if that action in itself weren't ridiculous enough, the response of the group to its own, offended, African-American members left a lot to be desired. In the president's own words:

"I didn't see it the way that it's being taken. I never connected," she said. "It was just food to me. It didn't mean anything else."

In addition to the above incident, those stupid protestors are still out quite frequently. This morning I verbally sparred with a few of them at three separate intersections while on my way to pilates. I noticed that about half of those carrying signs and banners were young children and teens. Clearly they aren't old enough to cast a vote, but it greatly saddens me that there are parents out there encouraging hate and discrimnation amongst the next generation.

I will be contacting the local field office for the No on 8 campaign shortly. I will also not be voting for any local politicians affiliated with that local political group.

Part of me cannot wait for the election to be over already. My blood pressure can't take it much longer.