NEWFANE — Let's begin with Nicholas Boke's assertion that a “significant number” of Republicans and independents “assume” that physical violence can get us out of this mess. Trust me when I say that if this were true, it would have already happened. Contrary to the talking points of Democrats and the media, the vast majority of Republicans and independents are informed, thoughtful, restrained, and measured in their responses.
Regarding the “attack” on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, it is a complex story with many layers and players which have yet to be uncovered or disclosed. That didn't stop the rush to judgment (will we ever learn?) based, in large part, on the media reporting.
It is a calculated strategy, in my opinion, for the media to pick sides and push an angle, rarely retracting or correcting even when the story is proven wrong. Many of us are waiting until all the facts are known. Sometimes things are not as they seem.
You want to talk about rewriting election laws? You want to talk about shenanigans? Just examine the 2020 election. Changes under the guise of Covid precautions opened the door to potential fraud and abuse but, worse, distrust in the system. The actual facts and ramifications are, as yet, unknown. All of this was implemented for the 2020 election.
In typical fashion, the writer emphatically states that Donald Trump wasn't fit to be dogcatcher and further, that “everyone with a brain” knew it. As a matter of fact, he won the 2016 presidential election. And he did so because a lot of “brainless” voters wanted someone who wasn't a career politician beholden to PAC money, lobbying groups, and pressure from a political party.
Voters were sick of the power brokers on Capitol Hill and wanted someone with real-world experience and success and who held their values, someone who respected those of us that the Democrats had labeled “deplorable.”
As a president, Donald Trump was extremely effective: improving the economy, controlling global wars, equalizing trade, and withdrawing from detrimental alliances, just to name a few things. His leadership style might not have fit the writer but, frankly, President Biden's certainly doesn't fit me.
A debate about whose news sources are better is pointless. All - I repeat, all - news outlets survive on ratings and sponsors. Even the oft-revered PBS needs donations and panders to the politics of donors. Example? I have yet to hear them allow anti-vaxxers even three minutes of time to share their position nor even mention that there are other points of view on the subject.
So none are unbiased sources that present real news. I don't base my beliefs or decisions on what the media tells me. I research, listen to both sides, and use my common sense and logic.
Finally, we agree that we are in a civil war. Rather than slavery being the issue and bullets the solution, this administration has carefully sown philosophical division using a virus as the weapon of choice. Yes, I believe the virus is being used to threaten and coerce as surely as a gun.
I fear Nicholas Boke is right: danger is coming our way. Not necessarily violence but economic woes, political upheaval, international unrest, and grave disruption to the things upon which we have come to rely.
As for what we can do? I recommend adult conversation, not name calling. Scrap the labels. Stop the assumptions. Be kind, civil, and respectful. We only control ourselves; be an example. Cut people some slack; we are all under stress right now.
Like a rock thrown upon a pond, the ripples of these small things will reach far.