Democrats are angered by the McCain campaign’s bearded-Moses ad and video clips that make fun of Obama’s ability to inspire people. Republicans reply that they are injecting humor into the campaign. To them, it is funny that a leader should aim to inspire.

The Bush years have shown how seriously Republican leaders have tried to make our lives more serious. They are seriously telling us that the more you cut taxes the faster the economy will grow. Sure, but why be half-hearted about it? Let’s eliminate taxes – maybe not altogether – but reduce them to the point where they just pay for the salaries and health insurance of the politicians we elect to cut our taxes.

Imagine how much scope for humor that would give McCain’s campaign! Just picture the ad showing Obama as a bearded Santa Claus promising to restore all those government services we used to enjoy. Or as a bearded Mother Teresa promising health care to the poor. We would be rolling in the aisles – imagine Obama wants to restore public services!

No funny ads for McCain, though. He is serious about helping the poor by cutting taxes for the rich and about Rambo-ing his way to peace. And if one of your homes is foreclosed, just move into your other villa. Heck of a job, McCain!

But no beard for McCain. We might see an old man who won’t be around when those policies make our children’s lives hell. Apropos hell – there’s a thought for a funny ad.

H. Peter Muth

Spruce Head