I guess it shouldn't have surprised me. But it must have because when I first heard it, shouted from a vehicle speeding through my neighborhood this morning, it didn't register.
I had to ask my wife, "Did he just say, 'F@#$ Obama!'?" She thought for a second and said, "I wasn't sure at first, but now that you say it, yes, I think he did."
I surmise the drive by epithet was directed, with great courage, at the Obama yard signs I still proudly display. I've had these things up since the middle of February as I became an Obama precinct captain during the primary race, and they have stayed there throughout the general election (though I did have to replace two that I liked to think were borrowed for someone else's yard. After all I had three!).
Never once during the primary or general election did anyone confront me about them or shout from a car. Several neighbors voiced approval, or gave me a smile, thumbs up or enthusiastic honk. Then again I live in a true blue precinct in true blue Austin, Tx.
So I really didn't expect it, even though I probably should have. I've read accounts in this blog and other online news outlets of threats against Obama, as well as the assertion that he has become the most threatened President-elect ever.
Ironically, we were watching the 4th episode of the first season of Mad Men on DVD when this incident occurred and I had just remarked to my wife about how far this society has come from the oppressive racism, antisemitism, sexism and homophobia of the era (1960-) that the show portrays.
She said, "We obviously haven't come far enough."
Which is true enough, (witness the vote on Prop. 8) but I'm not sure we ever will come far enough for my tastes. Still, I think in 48 years we've turned this society on it's head. Whereas those ugly sentiments ruled the day back then, they now have shrinking, festering minority status.
I know that the haters out there are real and rearing their very ugly heads. But surely the Secret Service knows there will be hell to pay should anything happen to any of the Obamas. Surely they will save and preserve him through his term(s).
This is my fervent hope, because if they do and he proves to be the leader I believe him to be, his performance will serve to squelch the bigots in a way that they have not been since Reagan and modern conservatism winked at their views in an effort to win their support.
So this incident today was an unpleasant reminder of the ugly underbelly of some parts of our society. The sense of dread many of my friends have expressed that something horrible might happen to Obama has been bumped up in me by this incident, especially in light of reports of recent threats against him. But it is not surpassed by my faith that the Secret Service will rise to the occasion and see that they not only protect a President in Obama, but a very real chance at the further perfection of our union.
Update: I was asked to enclose the head in quotes and did so. Judging by some advice in the comments, I should view screaming epithets at people's yard signs as a legitimate and bipartisan activity. Given the level of vitriol directed at Obama, especially at the end of the campaign, I have a hard time accepting such advice. I do hope they are right that I'm over-reacting. Wouldn't embarrass me in the least.