What were they thinking!?!

So, I saw the news about this on a muted tv while running on the treadmill. The New Yorker crossed the line on its freedom of press. An established media company needs to be responsible with the contents it publishes, even if it is a satire. While freedom of press is important, so is our presidential election. Tensions are high in politics, and media is a strong force for swaying decisions. A photo of a presidential candidate in Muslim garb and his wife carrying a rifle is a strong statement, even in jest. A man's faith should not be a deciding factor for a good president, but we live in the United States where for some UNGODLY reason, a man's (or a woman's) faith has become part of the campaign trail.

It amazes me that my media, my government and my people have the audacity through the years to criticize the 'democracy' of other developing or under developed governments on democratic practices when we only have to look in the mirror to find the same flaws. Irresponsible publication can MAKE election decisions much like violent threats in some elections held in Africa. Even in the 21st century, people will not vote for Obama because of the sound of his name or the color of his skin OR even for a religion that he doesn't even practice. Media needs to be even more aware of the responsibilities it must uphold in order to have a fair election...or we could end up just like the countries we judge.