Emotions are overtaking rational thought
Reader comment on item: 9/10 vs. 9/12 on 11/2

Submitted by Seyma (United States), Oct 26, 2004 at 15:28

It is clear to me from reading these comments and from reading the media's perception of the race is that most people have made up their minds based on what they want to believe.

Those who support Kerry, despite their understanding of the world-wide Islamist threat or their support of the democracy of the State of Israel, are voting with their hope that he will do the right thing because they can't imagine that we have to be in this war for the long haul. They often base their belief of the facts based on the news outlets' spin, and they all spin it their way. I was appalled for example, to read the New York Times web site interactive source on the candidates' positions on the issues. A reading of the description of Bush's positions demonstrates the author's clear favoring of Kerry, despite a purported effort to recite only the facts.

I find it interesting that most self-claimed leaders of American Muslim and Arab groups (at least the ones that get the most air time) believe that Kerry is better for their belief that the rights of their individual select group trump those of the common good. -- Groups that call "a bad look" a form of discrimination, that cry wolf whenever given the microphone, are not groups that should be trusted to speak for the majority.

The pathetic thing is that those who claim to be worried about human rights were oh-so-silent during the reign of Saddam and who never say boo about the mass murders and rapes in the Sudan.

Yes, both candidates are humans and no one is perfect. But we must look to the totality of the circumstances -- we are almost alone in this war on Islamic terrorism -- and we must stand firm and unflinching. To believe that Kerry will remain strong is not based on past behavior: hoping that Germany, Russia or France would go along with us is ridiculous -- even now, we don't have all the information about the scandal known as the "Food for Oil" program.

How can we effectively raise our children in this world when people deliberately turn a blind eye to reality, and in essence prefer to see things in black and white only?

The alternative is too frightening.

Thank you, Dr. Pipes, for continuing to keep the light on all of the facts so we may make our own decisions.

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