Un-American Name-Calling

 Campaigns bring with them an expectation of bravado, but there is a line that no one running for public office should ever cross. In some cases, we have even seen someone's faith called into question. Absolutely deplorable.

And now, we're seeing some name-calling in the GOP presidential race, seeing Texas Governor Rick Perry calling those who disagree with his policy on in-state tuition rates for the children of illegal immigrants "un-American." Perry should know better, but apparently, he doesn't.

Free speech is one of our Constitutionally-protected rights in this country, but the American voters deserve better than candidates who choose to call into question someone's patriotism because of disagreement on policy. We have seen it previously when the Iraq war began, with both sides of the argument questioning the opposition's patriotism. It's ridiculous and American citizens should be outraged.

Perry appears to be the current front-runner for the GOP nomination and as a voter, it alarms me that someone who wants to occupy the most prestigious and demanding office in the world can't control his tongue and resorts to what I consider to be school yard tactics such as name-calling.

What's next? Rick Perry tugging on Michelle Bachmann's pony-tail in the school yard?

We deserve better, friends.

Mickey