The original impetus for this column is over two years old, but
it’s worth updating now that elections are coming around again. At
that time, The Weekend Pinnacle ran an excellent editorial opposing
the use of dirty political tactics in our local election.
Unfortunately, they did that right after they had published an
attack ad that failed any reasonable definition of either good
taste or fair play. That ad spurred me to write a letter to the
editor.
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The original impetus for this column is over two years old, but it’s worth updating now that elections are coming around again. At that time, The Weekend Pinnacle ran an excellent editorial opposing the use of dirty political tactics in our local election. Unfortunately, they did that right after they had published an attack ad that failed any reasonable definition of either good taste or fair play. That ad spurred me to write a letter to the editor. 
I barely knew the personalities involved in those campaigns, but I knew I didn’t like what I saw and the incident stirred my interest in the political climate that existed in Hollister and San Benito County. When it comes to trash talk, I’m sorry to report that some of those practicing dirty politics are still out there. 
I’m no prude. There isn’t much anyone can say or do that I haven’t heard or seen before. I also understand that “politics ain’t beanbag” and I’m a strong supporter of freedom of speech, although I know some folks will always abuse that privilege. Even abused, freedom of speech is still a great gift and we should swallow hard and resist the temptation to mess with it. However, I also believe that just ignoring bad behavior encourages more bad behavior, so I will drag it into the light where it can be seen.
Politicians and other public figures are seen as fair game. They usually rely on the good sense of professional journalists and prudent editorial staffs to afford them some reasonable degree of protection from the outrageous and the underhanded, but the introduction of direct electronic publishing via the Internet has taken those thin safeguards away.    
I’m not concerned about state and national politicians – their campaigns are usually awash with money and volunteers, including press people and lawyers, who can take the flak and send it back where it came from. Rather, I’m talking about local officeholders and candidates, those closest to us both in government and in community.     
What’s the limit of acceptable discourse when we are dealing with local politics? If you have a photo of your opponent, is it OK to Photoshop him to look like Adolph Hitler and accuse him of anything and everything without any evidence? Right now, there does not seem to be any legal, social or fairness rules for independent advocates. Worse, those who care nothing for anyone but themselves and their own views are quick to attack not only the politicians and candidates, but their families, too.  
Mind you, we are not talking about attacks on positions, policy or even philosophy; we are talking about attacks on character, more often than not accompanied by childish debasing comments. These are not even political arguments. They are nothing but bomb throwing. Those who engage in this dance of destruction never have a better idea – they rarely have any ideas at all. They just want to kill something. Failing that, they want to wound someone. I’m not even sure they want to win as much as they want to inflict mental pain. Unfortunately, the political process affords them the opportunity to humor their worst instincts.
I guess the perpetrators do not realize that it’s impossible to smear someone without getting a lot of the dirt on yourself. No one truly trusts them, not even those they call friends. And everyone is thinking, “What will happen if they turn on me?”
What can the average citizen do? First, learn about the issues and the positions of the candidates; those who appeal only to your emotions do not want educated voters. Second, evaluate the options honestly; try looking past your self-interest. Third, treat people the way you would want to be treated under the same circumstances.
We should keep and honor our political differences and fight for our beliefs, but, paraphrasing the wise words of the Pinnacle’s editor from years ago, do not forget that after the elections are over, we are still going to have to live together in this small community.
