By Brenda Allington, Florence
Integrity. Honesty. Respect. I was blessed to have those examples in my youth, and I was able to recognize those qualities in the man I chose to marry. I am also able to recognize when those qualities are lacking—and unfortunately, that lack is dominating the current campaigns. I hear “The Left” wants to “burn the flag,” allow vicious criminals to flood our borders, eliminate the police, and turn our government into SOCIALISM! I consider myself progressive and my husband and I both served in the military, have great respect for law enforcement, and understand that an entire culture cannot be viewed by the actions of a few.
Further, we understand the difference between government and business. Businesses exist for profit; government exists to SERVE the people and establish social order. Republican candidates seem to be fine with corporate welfare even if it is a trillion dollars taken from small businesses. But when families need help with basic needs– that is socialism!
Beware of explosive and false rhetoric used to instill fear and divisiveness! And don’t be deceived by promises of jobs when the intent is actually to steal public lands. Maya Angelou said it best, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” President Trump has shown who he is every day, and I believe he and his supporters have made dishonesty, disrespect, and lack of integrity the new norm.
I honestly thought we were better than this.
Sara MacCalman says
You stated the situation perfectly. Dishonesty, disrespect and lack of integrity certainly do seem to have been normalized, as well as a certain amount of vicious intolerance and closely held ignorance.