Minnesotans: We're Really Not THAT Ignorant

I really am embarrassed.

We Minnesotans are already made fun of enough. Yes, I have heard people actually say, "Yah, you betcha" in a real conversation without a hitch. And sure, I've gone trick or treating in a Pocahontas costume under a pink parka with Gore-Tex gloves and snowboots; but really this is going to convince the rest of the United States, hell, the rest of the world, that all of us up North are a bunch of ignorant lumberjacks with bad hair.

What am I talking about exactly?

Well if you're not living under a rock, you've probably heard about the whole McCain defending Obama issue.

Here's the scoop: Senator John McCain (the Republican Presidential nominee, for those who are living deep inside a hole) was speaking to quite a large group of his supporters in Lakeville, MN. One man stood up and (speaking in a grey t-shirt and blue baseball cap, oh dear), spoke of how he would be afraid for his unborn child in an Obama administration. Here was his reasoning: "I'm concerned about someone who cohorts with uhh... domestic terrorists such as Ayers, and who he will choose for the Supreme Court, should those openings become available,"

Okay for one thing, Ayer may have stated that he does not regret bombing government buildings, however, he was 40 years old when he committed these crimes... Obama was 8 years old.

That's right. It's true, Ayers and Obama were in cohorts and planned bombings. Ayers provided the gunpowder and Obama brought cookies and milk.

Seriously people. However, I am not saying that Obama and Ayers never came into contact with each other. In fact, they both served on a committee called the Woods Fund Board, an anti-poverty group in Chicago and both are distinct members of the city's intelligent crowd. Oh, and Ayers made a mind boggling, unprecedented donation of $200 to the Obama Campaign. [insert sarcasm here].

Think about it.

But here's the kicker. The real reason why I'm rolling my eyes and planning to move to a more intellectual state (I need suggestions here): Gayle Quinnell of Shakopee who said, "Uhhh... I can't trust Obama. I, I have read about him and he's not, he's, he's not, he's uh, umm..., he's an Arab."

If I were dead, I would be turning over in my grave. WHAT? What is this? This scares me. This almost (almost) makes me want to give up hope in the democratic system. If there are voters out there who are so ignorant as to believe every piece of shit turned up about Obama, then that's just sad. (And I am also curious, what has Gayle been "reading." Graffitti on the bathroom stall of the local bar?)

Props to McCain for doing the right thing. I gained respect for the guy after he shook his head no and took the mike from the woman. (Of course, I'd be considering becoming a straight up McCain supporter if he'd smoked the woman with the mike and commanded the crowd to read some real news.)

And he even found a way to disagree with Obama, but still send the message that both candidates for the Presidency are respectful, capable men.

Good job man.

As for the crowd at Lakeville. Not so good. I mean, booing your own candidate? And then bursting into applause less than 5 seconds later... wishywashy much?

Oh and Gayle? If I see you on the stranded on the side of the road because it's snowing in May and you didn't think to put the snow tires on, don't expect any Minnesota Nice from me.

[http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/02/obamas_weatherman_connection.html]