October 16, 2004
Are you a battered voter?
by Liza Sabater
This is an interesting question, the question of Fear as a socio-political force. This is not something I've been thinking about since I saw Bowling for Columbine, although that documentary certainly reminded me of it. Growing up in Puerto Rico, reading the news about countries like Chile, Brazil, Argentina (who does not remember Death and the Maiden).
Even seeing the corruption and abuse in my own country, especially after the Cerro Maravilla case (Requiem on Cerro Maravilla: The Politics Murders in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Government Cover-Up), I still could not believe that fear could be used so powerfully as a political tool. Then I read 1115.org: Hard Rhymers | Battered Voter Syndrome, and yes, it all makes sense:
The biggest similarity of course, is fear. Battered women fear that anything they do could lead to another beating, which has the effect of total domination by their husbands. The President and his advisors have used fear for three years now by speaking of "imminent threats," "mushroom clouds," and countless other buzzword scare tactics. His Vice President plainly stated that should John Kerry become President, we would face a higher probability of being attacked.
This culture of fear has obviously had a major effect on our collective psyche. Some media personalities have barely concealed the fact that they are figuratively hugging the President's leg, begging him to keep them safe. Watched Dennis Miller lately? Chris Matthews? It's sad that these examples are representative of a large voting block in this country.
John Kerry's chances on November 2nd hinge on voters realizing that they have been battered, abused, and taken advantage of for the last four years by George W. Bush.
It's not as easy as it seems. Ask anyone who's ever dealt with it personally.
The Cerro Maravilla case in Puerto Rico was a small scale event compared to the last four years in this country. It's amazing how palpable and real the makings of history are this time around. Maybe because I am old and have had the fortune to have a long memory.
Still, it is amazing to me how anybody would want to vote for Bush. I can understand people's dislike of Kerry but their rationalizations about Bush? That's what I do not understand. And seeing Cheney in his full war-mongering infamy, it is clear to me that there is a huge segment of the population in this country ready to abdicate their democratic duties in the name of fear.
Posted by Liza Sabater in 2004 Elections, 2004 Elections, Domesticity, George W. Bush, Politics, Propaganda, War
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