By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO–I am very thankful for the “mute” button on the television’s remote control.
That way I don’t have to listen to the strident ads by which San Diego mayoral candidates Carl DeMaio and Bob Filner and congressional candidates Brian Bilbray and Scott Peters, and all their respective “independent” backers, presumably are trying to win our vote.
I’ve endorsed the Democrats in those two races–Filner and Peters–but even though I’ve already made up my mind, their demeanor and that of their opponents make me cringe.
Of the two races, the one that gives me the most heartburn is the mayoral contest. It’s like watching an approaching train wreck, which you are powerless to prevent. Both of these men want to be the leader of our city–someone presumably whom our children can look up to–and both are demonstrating less-than-enviable qualities. Filner, apparently, is barely able to control his temper, while DeMaio evidently is unable to prevent himself from taking credit for everything good, and blaming others for everything bad.
With apologies to the people in Israel who tell the following anecdote about the Knesset, every time I watch the mayoral or congressional commercials, I am reminded of the kindergarten teacher whose pupils are running around the room, throwing things at each other, gouging each other’s eyes, and screaming and crying.
Suddenly, the teacher can take no more. She stomps her foot, claps her hands, and shouts: “Children, where do you think you are: in a San Diego political race?”
What is it that prompts otherwise fine men, who want our vote, to act like spoiled children? And please don’t give me the child’s answer: “Well, he (the opponent) did it first!”
Where is the dignity, the civility, and the respect for the process–if not for each other — that is necessary to persuade voters who will be the better choice?
When I endorsed Filner it was because I believe he is someone who genuinely cares about the underdog, but I shudder when I see his temper erupting. The present DeMaio-sponsored ad, in which a female airport worker tells of being intimidated by Filner, makes me cringe. Was this just one very frustrating situation in which he “lost his cool” or is it an indication of how he will treat ordinary citizens if he is elected mayor?
Personally, I have seen a different side of Bob Filner, the compassionate, determined side of a man who is willing to physically demonstrate, take risks, take chances on behalf of his constituents. Ask fellow Civil Rights workers who were Freedom Riders with him in the South during the Civil Rights Movement. Ask the Filipino veterans who fought for United States during World War II, when the Philippines was a U.S. commonwealth, but who were unjustly denied the same veterans benefits that Americans born on the mainland received. Filner doesn’t just talk the politicians’ talk, he puts his body on the line. And I believe he will do that for the disadvantaged of our own city.
As mayor, I know Filner will fight for what is right. I just hope he doesn’t punch anyone out in the process.
Concerning DeMaio, I hope he will stay in politics in some capacity after this election — a loss so early in his career will perhaps teach him some humility. Notwithstanding his arrogance, he clearly has much to contribute, but he needs to know that it is not how quickly you get to the top that matters, it is what you do on the way up there and once you’ve arrived.
As for Bilbray and Peters, oh come on, fellows! Stop tearing each other down! Just tell us what you plan to do in Congress over the next two years, and how it will affect us voters. What legislation will you back, even author? What accomplishments in Congress, long after you retire, do you hope you will be remembered for? How will San Diego benefit if you are elected for this term?
I wish we could end the politics of nastiness, political gridlock, and partisanship. I’m willing to bet many readers of San Diego Jewish World feel the same.
So candidates, please, give us a break. Let’s get down to issues, and stop, please stop, your childish quarreling!
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Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted at donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com