East Aurora Advertiser

Letter to the Editor: We the People Must Do Our Part to Fix the Country


Dear Editor,

There was a time when the leaders of this country set the kind of example of which our citizens could feel proud. There was a time when our elected officials could be trusted to grasp the gravity and the power of the example they set. Clearly, there has been an interruption in their understanding of this basic premise. The bar has been set disappointingly low. So low, in fact, that some perceive they’ve been given permission to be unkind and mean-spirited to one another. Some have allowed themselves to act on this permission in the form of unabashed hatred toward those who they deem “different.” The floodgates have been opened, and within the muck rushing past us, we see behavior that is troubling, offensive and truly frightening.

Since we can no longer count on our leadership to be the stewards of decency and good will, it is up us to set the example. We, the People, must take matters into our own hands, and we must start now. This hatred cannot continue. There really is no other cause that is more important – with such dire consequences if we fail. Our rule of law is literally under threat daily. Though it may seem a daunting task, as citizens of this country we each have an obligation to do our part to try to change the tone of our national dialogue. We can start by going out of our way to engage with our fellow human beings as we go about our day. As difficult as it may be, we must try to initiate conversations with those we might perceive as on “the other side” – while always keeping civility front and center. When we do, we may be surprised to discover common experiences, ideas and concerns. No matter what our first impression of a particular person might be, it is of the utmost importance to treat that person as we wish to be treated. Every time. If that person doesn’t happen to respond in kind, no matter. At least they witness the example we set. That matters, and over time it will make a positive impact on our world. Plus, it feels good to be kind.

And, we must exercise our right to vote to facilitate change. This country was once on the right track, and we can get back on track again. We need to realize that we and/or our ancestors were all immigrants. No matter what our backgrounds and circumstances, all of us make up the melting pot of humanity that is The UNITED States of America. As new ingredients are added to the pot, we should be excited (not afraid) to taste the new flavors they yield. Sure, we are all different, yet in many more ways we are the same. We’re all striving for and working toward the same goals: Hope. Happiness. Peace.

Let’s all face up to the ugliness in our midst that was born of our past mistakes. We’ve got to start treating each other with respect. And when we vote, let’s all agree that:

1) We must never vote for anyone that does not understand the wisdom of treating people as they wish to be treated.

2) We must never elect anyone to public office who uses fear to leverage our differences for the purpose of dividing us.

If we keep these criteria in mind, we might one day become a democracy worthy of respect.

Richard Svenson

East Aurora

 

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