Editor:
In 2016 I, along with many were shocked and disappointed when Trump won, especially after the Access Hollywood tapes were released.
Women all over the country peacefully protested, wearing pink beanies, and marched against abuse of power and sexism.
I decided that it was my duty as an American citizen to hope for a successful term.
I hoped that with his advisors (most of them lawyers), Trump would give sound, reasonable leadership.
I wanted to model for younger people that first we support our country, the tides of our views will come and go, but to love this land and our fellow Americans.
Soon the president started a tirade of tweets, pitting Democrats against Republicans, widening the division between us.
There was no fabrication needed as there are volumes of tape, tweets and actions as evidence.
There is free speech, but that doesn’t mean the truth is spoken.
Lies, misinformation, slander and hate were propagated, furthering the divide among us.
The “freedom loving folks” at the Capitol erected a gallows, complete with a noose, stormed the Capitol building chanting “Hang Mike Pence.” Five people died.
These are not peaceful protesters. They are people who were inspired to hate by Trump and the others in Congress who propped up Trump for reasons from fear to promoting their own careers/agendas.
Many of my friends are Trump fans. It has been a challenge to maintain friendships due to all of the hate and division we’ve been exposed to. We agree to disagree.
We realize that what is truly important is our friendship and love of country.
The most reliable measure of the future is our past behavior and history of work performances. Using that as a measure, I am hopeful that we can return to grace, unity, and stablize our country.
Respectfully submitted,
Joy Strasser
Sweet Home