Division Street

This was the title of a book by Studs Terkel in the 70s, a collection of interviews, oral history, documenting the deep divisions in the country. We're ready for a new volume. For all Obama's eloquence about red and blue states being United States, the campaign has brought out our differences, not our similarities. Yet it's difficult to assess how deep and numerous these divisions really are. Media follow the noise, and extremists both right and left are hollering their red heads off. On TV, you'd think this was the picture of America. In my experience, however, and probably yours, the mood is quieter than this. Yes, it is a demonstrable dirty campaign on both sides. But maybe, hopefully, most Americans are not crazy extremists of one ilk or another.

This is not to say I'm not scared by the election. I am. I am frightened by Palin's lack of availability to the press. I am frightened by her apparent refusal to separate church and state in such statements as being in Iraq on a "task from God" or embracing public projects because they are "God's will." I am frightened by her complete ignorance of elementary science and how this will influence her decision making in national office.

But I survived the flip flop of LBJ and the same o same o of Richard Nixon. Our Founding Fathers were brilliant in creating a system of checks and balances to keep extremists in check. So far it's worked. The Constitution works. It's Palin's threat to the Constitution, and McCain's sudden switch to go along with it, that worries me more than anything.

I also am upset by the failure of our educational system, particularly in the "logic and clear thinking" areas of mathematics and science. We have become the laughing stock of the world for our little stupidities. I want a president who will change this.

I have no idea how this election will turn out. Palin alone would assure a sweep by Obama in a country that feared the marriage of church and state, but this is not that country despite the Constitution. I'm still comfortable with letting those under 40 decide the election. If they want a church rather than a country, so be it. Congress will correct their error down the road.