By J. Johnson, Guest Columnist
In response to “Your Views” and a paid advertisement, I feel I cannot be silent.
My family has lived in Murphy for 37 years and myself for 17 years. I love living here. It’s peaceful, quiet, friendly, and we have a lot to offer our citizens and visitors.
I look forward to receiving the Cherokee Scout every week. I believe in our laws and free speech.
However, over the last year or so, I have become more disappointed with the hate and vitriol pushed out regarding politics. It’s opinion, and everyone is entitled to theirs, but I was stunned and visibly upset with what I read in the May 3 newspaper.
What example are we setting for our youth? There is a presidential election every four years. Voters will decide who will be the president. If “Bob” wins this time and “Sam” doesn’t, then in four years there will be a chance to vote that person out. Local and state elections are held regularly and again, voters will decide who is appointed.
This is a democracy. Jan. 6, 2021, is a stain on our democracy that both sides should be ashamed of. I fear a recurrence of this if everyone is so riled up all the time. Continuing to demonize politicians whom we don’t care for gets us nowhere.
Yes, the United States has some problems. But it’s still the greatest country to live in. Voicing your opinion is your right, but the juvenile name calling and deceit should stop. We are ruining our country and ourselves.
I just can’t imagine being so filled with hate. I expect better from our community.
I like to read our great newspaper to hear about our schools and how well the youth are doing in sports, how amazing our local businesses are, what is going on in the community and how that affects me. Sometimes the news is not good, as there is always something to worry about.
But always being negative and unkind is not the answer to issues.
Go do something constructive with your time. Volunteer at the food bank. Help an elderly neighbor. Go volunteer somewhere. Do something nice. Say something nice.
How about some kudos to local businesses who have served us well? Your heart and mind would feel better. I would love to see more of this in “Your Views” and a little less hateful politics.
Please, everyone, stop and think about what you say and how it might affect someone else. We should respect others, even if they do not agree with you.
That’s done by constructive criticism, not hate and name calling. Please don’t diminish someone who believes differently than you. Instead, learn to be kind and tolerant of everyone.
The writer is a resident of Murphy.