It’s hard to believe people are afraid to say who they support in a political race—but that’s actually the case. I recently had the chance to meet with some very committed people who are resurrecting the local Democratic Party in a largely rural area. They wanted advice on how to communicate with voters, what platforms will help them get their message out, and what should be their priorities as we approach November 5. One of their biggest challenges is getting people to put up a yard sign, host a meeting, knock on doors, even just engage others in a chat–because they are afraid.
They’re afraid of conflict, afraid of being put on the defensive, afraid of disagreement, afraid of angering neighbors, and I can relate. I have many friends I respect who are smart and hardworking, but I’m hesitant to tell them that I don’t agree with their support of certain candidates. I’m not a political iconoclast, but we are in a highly charged environment.
The men who established this country did the most important thing by making the First Amendment the FIRST amendment:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Certainly, freedom of speech should be done with respect and the ability to learn and understand. But that’s not the case. The truth is if you live in MAGA-land you are afraid to say you don’t support Trump because of the vitriol and anger fostered by the candidate and his surrogates.
If you are a student of American history, this isn’t the first time we’ve had presidents or presidential candidates who have been liars, corrupt, impeached, and convicted of crimes. But this is the first time social media has amplified the situation and given every citizen (no matter how well or poorly informed they are) a platform for free speech. James Buchanan is ranked one of the worst presidents ever, but in 1857 only white, male, landowners could vote. And the only media available at the time were newspapers if your city even had one. Incidentally, Donald Trump is #3 on the list and I find it curious that Richard Nixon didn’t even make the top 10 (he’s #14).
For the record, I will be supporting Kamala Harris because for me leadership is linked with personal integrity. It’s a shame the GOP has been replaced with the cult of Donald Trump which makes any candidate “endorsed by Donald Trump” questionable. I’m a bit afraid to state this on a public platform, but I hope civility will rule.
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