Letter to the Editor: What kind of America do we want?

October 26, 2018

To the Editor:

As I write this, 12 apparent bombs have been sent to Americans. None of us know yet how dangerous these were. We don’t know how many lives could have been impacted. But we do know who the targets were. We do know that this appears to have been done because of political hate. I don’t believe any one person can be blamed for the current divisive atmosphere in America. Most of us should probably accept some responsibility for it.

On Thursday, October 25, as I listened to the mayor of New York City speak, I gave up all hope that we could be united by the President. I had hoped that the President of the United States would include himself and say, “We all must dial back the rhetoric and stand up against violence.” I had hoped he would take a little responsibility that all the bombs were sent to people and a newsroom that he has mocked, called disrespectful names, branded as evil, our enemies and convinced millions of Americans to hate. I had hoped he would admonish his supporting news stations that immediately called these apparent bombs a “hoax from the opposite political party.” I had hoped he would put his own ego and politics aside and personally acknowledge the targets. That he would at least say he was glad no one was hurt. I had hoped that he would finally realize that words and actions have consequences. Of course he didn’t. Instead he is sending tweets that once again make himself the victim, blaming the “fake news” for the bombs. Mayor de Blasio said, “this is Donald Trump. The person he has always been. He will not change.” On Friday morning he was tweeting that Republicans shouldn’t let this “BOMB STUFF” interfere with their voting. Being critical that the news wasn’t talking about “politics.” Americans are being attacked and this is the response from the White House? I’ve given up all hope that he will ever become the President for all Americans.

Sadly many Americans will accept this behavior, saying “he is what America needs.” Other Americans will agree with him and blame those that unfairly “attack him.” Still other Americans will not like it, not approve of it but will continue to support him and their political party no matter what.

Each of us must make a decision on whether or not we will continue to accept, justify, approve of, or just ignore this behavior. We all know that if Americans don’t unite and stand up against it, this will definitely continue and probably get worse. We must decide if we are a Red, White and Blue nation or if we are divided reds and blues based on our votes. We must decide how important it is to stand up for our principles or support a political party no matter what. Our children are learning what value we put on morals, honesty, and respect. They can see whether adults truly support a “Zero Tolerance for Bullying” policy. Our children are seeing whether or not they should stand up for their principles not only in their classrooms, when talking to others, sitting in a church pew, or supporting a political party.

Pat Vailliencourt
Manchester

Editor’s Note: Views expressed in any Letter to the Editor are always exclusively those of the author. Do you have something you want Manchester the know? Send your Letter to the Editor to themanchestermirror@gmail.com. 

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.