Politics, politics and more politics

I commented about a year ago that this would be the first national election of my voting life when I could actually vote FOR someone I like instead of AGAINST someone I did not like. I was really excited about a new direction and hopeful future.

Now after a year or more of attack ads I find I am much less excited. I used to think that the candidate I did not want to win would still make a bearable president. I am much less sure of that today. One year ago I was proud of the candidate I do want to win for being above nasty politics, name calling, etc. Today I am less proud.

Why do we have to turn people against our opponents?  Why can't I approve of the positions of one more than the other without hating either?  I get emails every day full of lies and attacks on both Obama and McCain.  I'd rather get messages telling me their strengths, their values, their commitments and let me choose the better of two goods.

It feels to me as if everyone has already made up thier minds and we are just trying to trash the other guy (or gal).  If my guy wins that is not a problem.  If my guy loses I am stuck with another president I have been taught to make fun of, distrust, and be ashamed of.  I don't want that for another four years.