Many “Elite” Bitter Too
Kevin Holsapple
Posted: 04.27.2008 / 12:22 PM EDT
Sen. Clinton has been criticizing Sen. Obama for referring to some small-town Pennsylvanians as “bitter” people who “cling to guns and religion.” Clinton called the comments “elitist, out of touch and frankly, patronizing,”
I don’t know about all that, and I don’t think that any of this controversy was all that meaningful to people in our community. However, I think that Obama does have it right if what he means is that he perceives there to be bitter people out there. In the “monied burbs”, the bitter people cling to pessimism and cynicism … and maybe a few of them to guns and religion as well.
I think that comes, at least in part, from observing the political process and wondering how the discussion can move so far away from being about getting things done that will help the country and the world. It think it would be discouraging to be a Pennsylvanian and listen to the discussion and debate about trivial issues … lapel pins and “who used to be your minister and what did they say.”
I can only hope that the process will turn around and give people a reason not to cling to guns, religion, pessimism, and cynicism. People need a reason to believe that our political leaders will have a plan for improving the world and will be able to exhibit the leadership to work the plan. I apologize in advance if that seems out of touch and patronizing.
