Boundary Lines

We are quickly learning that nothing is held sacred in this age of hyperconectivity. Often labeled under "searching for the truth," families of those running for office are getting trampled by the ferocity of various political factions searching for any kind of information that would give their backing the advantage.

These political attacks on Michelle Obama and Sarah Palin's family have become absurd. It's a dangerous mix of sensationalism and mudslinging that is changing the face of politics. It directs us away from the conversation at hand and attempts to lead us towards endless bickering.

Michelle Obama has become infamous for her "for the first time in my life" comments. Instead of raising the question for further explanation, this quote was jumped on and viewed as "proof" that her and Barack were anti-American and elitests. In Michelle's defense, First Lady Laura Bush suggested, "I think she probably meant I'm 'more proud,' you know, is what she really meant," adding, "I mean, I know that, and that's one of the things you learn and that's one of the really difficult parts both of running for president and for being the spouse of the president, and that is, everything you say is looked at and in many cases misconstrued."

Sarah Palin was assaulted with questions only hours after her name reached the public and many of the attacks dealt with pieces of information that haven't been fully assembled. Given time, we'll understand more, but so many people have rushed to judgment on these stories already, questioning McCain's decision making ability.

So where do we draw the line? How do we set rules in a time where anything goes? Despite having access to more information than ever, we are still learning how to handle this flow of information. There is nothing wrong with asking questions, but we must learn to keep them as questions and not tools to manipulate others.