McCain's sexism accusations intended to deceive lazy voters

Editor,

John McCain and Republicans around the country have been quick to call any criticism of Sarah Palin sexism.

The latest accusation stems from a comment Barack Obama made regarding McCain's claim to be a force for change in Washington. He used the phrase "You can put lipstick on a pig; it is still a pig," which is a well-known and often-used term in politics. McCain himself used the term to describe Hillary Clinton's health care policy in the spring.

People have really been flipping out over this. The chairman of the Michigan Republican Party posted online: "What an outrage! I need you to click here now to make a secure online donation to the Michigan Republican Party so we can fight back against Obama and the Democrats' false and sexist attacks on Governor Palin .... Time is of the essence!" In context, Obama's comments are not attacking or even directed at Palin. And if McCain and his campaign obviously know the meaning of the phrase has nothing to do with gender or sexism, why are they making such an effort to convince us Obama called Palin a pig?

One reasonable explanation is McCain and his campaign think the average American voter is too lazy, apathetic or dumb to get the real story. I, for one, find this blatant dishonesty offensive and reprehensible. If we want to talk about the sexist attitudes that Palin's nomination have brought to light, let's talk about her being referred to as a "hottie" on almost every comment board on the Web or Rush Limbaugh's comments from an Aug. 29 show about why Palin is a good pick: "She's not shrill .... She's not going to remind anybody of their ex-wife; she's going to remind men, 'Gee, I wish she was single.'" Instead of getting worked up over a political lie, let's have an open discussion about the reality of misogyny in our society and tragedy that in 2008, a female candidate for vice president is subject to so many double standards. And while we're at it, lets demand a little more honesty from the political campaigns.

Katy Callan

UNM student