American Pride

Well, remember back when Obama and McCain both agreed to run campaigns that constructively debated the issues, rather than slinging mud and assassinating each other's character? After reading a story on Fox news, I think McCain has decided to disregard the agreement. Mentioning that Senator Obama voted once against funding the war in Iraq, McCain equated this to "legislating failure" for the war. As usual with politicians, McCain, presumably believing that he trails Senator Obama in popularity, has decided to step-up the accusations so as to paint Obama as unpatriotic, or worse, somewhat traitorous. How destructive is it to our citizens belief in our electoral system, and nation as a whole, to insinuate that one's opponent for the Presidency of the United States is so cold as to jeopardize human lives without reason? Is it possible that something attached to the funding was not to Senator Obama's liking? All politicians, at one time or another, vote against Bills that, in principle, seem good. Yet, as McCain fails to mention, Obama voted for funding the war on "at least ten" other instances. Getting back to the way that the candidates agreed to conduct their campaigns, would it not have been better for McCain to acknowledge this, rather than providing partial truths in his attack on Obama?
At this point in time, Americans seem to be disenchanted. We are coming to grips with the history of our nation that we were taught, and the real history that propaganda and false patriotism have failed to obscure. Yet, make no mistake; most of us still believe in this nation and it's future. In my opinion, though, Americans want, but do not expect, honesty instead of partial truths from our candidates and elected leaders. Every instance, such as Watergate, the Lewinsky affair, or vicious attacks between candidates, that the public becomes aware of degrades our collective self-esteem as a nation, as well as our trust in the system. Add to this the increased access to information and foreign opinions of our country that the internet provides, and one can understand why many Americans find it difficult to feel extremely proud of ourselves presently.
However, there is pride in this country. If not rooted completely in our history, it lies in the present sacrifices of our military forces and the belief in our own abilities to create a brighter future for all.