Speaking Out

A fair number of my friends are Republicans. And we have talked politics on and off over the years. We have discussed various issues and compared candidates. I know how some of them feel about their current candidate and I am unaware how others feel. So I know that come Tuesday night there will be a lot of unhappy people, no matter which way the counts go, and it will be interesting to see how things turns out. According to an April Marist Poll, 1 in 5 Americans think violence may solve U.S. divisions and 28% of Republicans believe violence might be needed to get American back on track, but I can’t feature any of my Republican friends shooting someone.

Of course, in the days of intense partisan divide there can be those who don’t get the memo, but that’s been the exception rather than the rule, although January 6, 2021 was interesting and pre-civil war America was pretty bloody, ask the folks who live in Kansas. Throughout our history, Americans have been less than gentile when it comes to politics. And in a video infused world the old newspaper put down of TV news, if it bleeds it leads, holds true today. If you want to get on TV or social media, hit someone in front of a camera or get angry and rage.

Anyway, I’ll do as I always do. Vote and hope for the best. Although at this stage in my life, loss is a constant and dealing with disappointment is part of my planning process. Even Eisenhower penned a note explaining the failure of D-Day. So, I’m in good company, and I’m mentally prepared for bad news. This is my fifteenth presidential election, 25% of the elections held since the founding of the country, and I’ve lost more than I’ve won. But at least I’ve participated, and this time I spoke up and that’s what the Founders had in mind. So, I think I can go in peace and I hope we can all go in peace.

John W Wilson

Gatewood Press is a small, family owned press located in the Hill Country of Texas.

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