All Internet arguments have basically three things in common. First, they center on petty, unimportant topics; second, they’re almost entirely unproductive; and third, they end up being embarrassing to everyone involved.
So, it’s almost a relief that the Facebook spat between Gov. Nikki Haley and state Sen. Katrina Shealy abides by all these common standards. Even our elected officials, who are supposed to represent the state with utmost dignity, don’t feel too obligated to go out of their way to raise the level of debate.
Let’s back up: Lillian Koller, the head of South Carolina’s Department of Social Services, has been under fire for allegedly flubbing her responsibilities as director. Haley, who appointed Koller, is defending both her and her record. Shealy is less enthused by her performance.
That’s all that should have been said about the issue. But, perhaps inevitably, Koller’s religion had to get thrown into the mix.
Haley, in a Facebook post, accused Shealy of calling Koller an atheist. Shealy defended herself eloquently and concisely: “I am so angry!!!!! … I asked the Governor’s staff about a rumor that was going around … and they told me in a private conversation that director Koller was Jewish – I accepted that answer.”
First off: None of this should be on Facebook. Watching public figures debate subjects as petty as this online is an embarrassment to the office of the governor and our Senate. (And showing off one’s — how should we put it — imperfect grammar and syntax isn’t exactly restoring our faith in those institutions.)
Secondly, who cares what Koller’s religion (or lack thereof) is? We eliminated restrictions on religion in government generations ago. It’s an ominous sign that a specific (non-)religious belief is thrown around as a pejorative, in the same way that “adulterer” and “corrupt” are.
We understand that religion and politics are hot topics on the internet that show no sign of dying down. But is it too much to hope that our elected officials would refrain from that kind of petty mudslinging?
And if nothing else, do we have to argue on Facebook?