Web Site Accessibility Blog

I rarely like to bring politics into the realm of work. It just seems to be one of those things that doesn’t make for good small-talk. People can be very emotional in their support or criticism of parties, candidates or issues, and I can completely understand.

Rather than simply having respectful discourse, it tends to circle the toilet of name-calling and savage attacks, in which the media tends to fall into silent complicity. I long for the days of open debates and statesmanship, when party affiliation wasn’t as important as answering to those who elected you.

What I don’t understand is why this ad was produced by a campaign without first doing some research:

What is lacking is critical research as to WHY John McCain doesn’t use computers or email, such as the Boston Globe provided in a March 4, 2000 article:

“McCain gets emotional at the mention of military families needing food stamps or veterans lacking health care. The outrage comes from inside: McCain’s severe war injuries prevent him from combing his hair, typing on a keyboard, or tying his shoes.”

Anyone familiar with the history of ecommerce knows the strong part that McCain has played in keeping internet ecommerce free from Federal taxation. To suggest ignorance of these issues based solely on the premise of not using computers or email is irresponsible. It’s not like he pulled a Ted Stevens with his “Internets are not like trucks, they are a series of tubes” gem.

I do not like attack ads from either side, and i don’t like to get political, but this is below the belt, and just plain ignorance. Both sides have been pretty light on issues-based rhetoric, but I’m a little more sensitive to ones that recklessly try to make a point at the expense of a disability. This is what politics has denigrated to?