This week in review.

It all went by so fast, I couldn't keep up here. So here it is.
The final presidential debate on Wednesday night was what people were waiting for as far as 'sparks'. Bob Schieffer asked the direct questions that alot of people have wanting answers to.

McCain really didn't own the depth of how hateful his campaign has been and I don't know if that is just a strategic move or if he really just doesn't get it. This video from October 10th is the only evidence I have seen of him addressing the hate that has been stirred up by his campaign and it only came after very public criticism by Frank Schaeffer. Georgia Senator John Lewis also denounced McCain's tactics the next day.
Some highlights :
From Senator John Lewis-

"As public figures with the power to influence and persuade, Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin are playing with fire, and if they are not careful, that fire will consume us all," the statement continues. "They are playing a very dangerous game that disregards the value of the political process and cheapens our entire democracy. We can do better. The American people deserve better."

And then here is what I find interesting- the McCain camp called Senator Lewis' remarks "brazen and baseless," and then wanted Barak Obama to "personally repudiate these outrageous and divisive comments."
Remember, Senator Lewis was a leader in the civil rights movement as a Freedom Rider. He was on the front lines of the civil rights movement and I suspect he knows what he is talking about. Even more incredulous is that McCain then turned this all back on Barak Obama:

"Congressman John Lewis' comments represent a character attack against Governor Sarah Palin and me that is shocking and beyond the pale," reads the statement from McCain...."I call on Senator Obama to immediately and personally repudiate these outrageous and divisive comments that are so clearly designed to shut down debate 24 days before the election. Our country must return to the important debate about the path forward for America."

It makes me realize that John McCain just doesn't get it. For so many in this country being on 'the right track' means acknowledging how racism and classism contribute to our problems both foreign and domestic. Doesn't he see how institutionalized racism has contibuted to some of our economic troubles? Doesn't he see that institutionalized racism informs our policy in the Middle East? (Really, John, even though Barak is not an 'Arab'- so what if he were?what's wrong with Arabs?)

And lets' review a few things McCain has yet to 'repudiate' so publicly:

From a San Bernardino Republic group:









The leader swears she didn't know it was racist.

And from the Sacramento County Republican Party official website:
















I just don't get it. Actually, sadly, I do get it.