For the last few months I’ve been experiencing a strong sense of déjà vu; a feeling that we’ve been here, done that. The curious thing about this sensation is that it’s not limited to one party or one candidate.
Now the obvious example is John McCain and his – and everyone who dares utter his name – constant use of his military record. Name one politician or pundit who hasn’t begun or ended a statement with: John McCain is a war hero who has sacrificed for his country. I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with this statement, but the frequency of its use is making me wonder if this claim has less to do with Presidential experience and more to do with the “unfinished” war in Vietnam. Is this election spinning into a 1960’s rehash of supporting the troops with McCain as the troops?
Hillary also took us back in time by re-energizing the Women’s Movement. My new BFF Dominique made the comment that overturning Roe v Wade wouldn’t be the end of the world since today’s young women take the law for granted and maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if they had to fight for something. Gosh, maybe we can fight Prohibition again as well.
Obama, simply by the color of his skin, has brought race back into the political arena. The last time I remember race being so openly discussed was in the 1960’s – a very hot topic and one I had hoped we’d put in perspective even if we hadn’t moved past it.
So I’m in a time-warp. My point is that we, as a country, do not have time to fight wars already waged. There is simply too much on the line with the environment, Iraq, healthcare, and the economy. And if this election continues to drift into the past… well, that’s McCain’s strong suit, isn’t it?