Vilification is nothing new

Some people deplore the choice of “the lesser of two evils” in the presidential election. I hope they are using a figure of speech; the two candidates seem to be well within the normal run of humans and well short of radical evil. Another phrase might better capture the choice, perhaps the French, “faulte de mieux” (for lack of a better).

Having lived through several election cycles I have noted the habit of vilification of the opponent and vile calumny are part and parcel of our politics. Even George Washington and Abraham Lincoln received this treatment.

It may seem an egregious choice this year; it always seems epochal when one is caught up in the campaign. Take a step back, however, and judge behaviors rather than persons and things don’t look so bad.

Those who will stay with the “lesser of two evils” expression and use this impossible choice as a reason to sit this one out might consider their choice might represent the lesser of three evils.

Gregory Chipps

Spokane