Assassinations, Security, and Elections

Assassinations. Riveted? Before I go further, it is necessary that I specify why I’ve chosen to write about Barack Obama and John McCain being assassinated in September or October of 2008. Unlike Fox News or CNN, I am not bringing up ‘Obama Assassination Attempt: Guns Found!’ as a piece of base tabloid sensationalism to lure in more trashtastic (not to EVER be confused with Fanchtastic) viewers. No, I respect the readers of the Fanchtastic blog and would never subject them to pathetic junk food writing. My purpose is to reveal the necessity of basic humanitarian needs as a precursor in any society to democracy and free elections.

At sixty some days before the election, most Americans are waist-deep in Obama/McCain news and punditry. How devastating to our political process would their assassinations be? Who would fill the void? There are many who could step up as qualified candidates for either party. However, in the wake of the deaths of both major candidates, would Americans be prepared to make an informed decision in November? Similar to post 9/11 America, fear would grip the country leading to panic-driven decision making and dangerous blame seeking. Following September 11, America surged with zealous uninformed hate for the Muslim world. The assassinations of Obama and McCain would perpetuate similar fear-based sentiments. Envision, further, if on election days, polling centers were being attacked. Millions of Americans had no running water or sewage. Food shortages plagued cities. Looting left thousands of businesses without inventory and bankrupted. How successful would a presidential (or any) election be?

Now, think back to those triumphant Iraqis, parading their purple fingers and newfound ‘democracy.’ Let alone a lack of basic provisions like food, security, and shelter for a predominance of Iraqis, most are illiterate. Those that aren’t are exposed to state propaganda and censored news. The efficacy of elections in America with these circumstances seems preposterous. Yet, the major news networks in the US, acting as Bush administration lackeys, gushed about the successful implementation of democracy and free elections in Iraq.

Before we disillusion ourselves with pride over this purple democracy, perhaps we should consider what is instrumental to real freedom and democracy. The continuing focus in Iraq and Afghanistan, before we declare ‘Mission Accomplished!’ must be the solidification of security, basic infrastructure, education, and free press. Let us not be fooled again.