The Light At The End Of The Tunnel For A Divided Nation

These are indeed turbulent times we live in; this is especially significant as the November 3 election approaches. Postmodern America today is unrecognizable to many people, here and beyond our borders. I don’t think it is necessary to go into the mechanics as to how this happened, suffice it say we have been challenged by an invisible enemy, political and ideological differences, and a greatly divided nation.

On occasion, I have written about how in an effort to bring about a dialogue, I have brought together people whose opinions on issues differ from mine. How we sat across the table from each other, broke bread, and tried to reach an understanding. Now let it be said that my own views on issues can be considered leaning to the right, but that does not mean I will not entertain others opinions and criticisms, and in doing so try to construct a bridge that might serve as a pathway to achieving a measure of comity, and perhaps even goodwill.

It has always been a difficult task to bring about this coming together that I speak about, but as the November election nears, it is getting harder and harder to establish any sensible and workable line of communication, especially with Democrats and those on the Left. It seems their insatiable hunger for power, and hatred of the president, has created a monstrosity that has consumed all demographics among the common man and woman, both on the Left and Right.

In my efforts to extend a hand of unity to those who would consider people like me unworthy of their time and energy, and the enemy, it has not stopped me from trudging onward in the hopes of accomplishing even a modicum of understanding. Another way I have sought to reach out is through that offering in most newspapers known as "Letters to the Editor."

In a local tabloid that is an ardent, and it would not be an exaggeration to say, vehement anti-Trump publication, I recently sent a letter to the editor that appeared on its pages, in response to others that previously criticized the president in a most defamatory manner. Since then I have been raked over the coals, the object of much scorn, which I am fine with. This is one of the reasons I add my voice in this particular venue, to get some feedback. I have been accused of propping up the president, living in an alternate universe, a Fox News junkie, and that I start learning Russian, and oh yeah, I’m annoying and obnoxious. One female even demanded the newspaper no longer print any letters I send in.

In response to the anti-Bob comments, I followed up the original letter with a response that regrettably exacerbated the situation, and opened the door to other negative reactions, which I will not mention here. My comments went something like this: Most on the ideological and political left have failed to realize how their behavior and the reckless, ruthless, and dangerous path they have traveled have created much of the chaos we’ve experienced in America.

I went on to say that President Trump has consumed the Left’s everyday existence. The Democrats, mainstream and social media, Hollywood, big tech, Silicon Valley, have been on a slash and burn crusade against this president, his family, and supporters each and every day for the past four years. One has only to read this newspaper and comments to the editor, to understand how far the Left has given into their innermost demons. Together with the editorials, and articles, it is a nonstop hate fest that has gone on unabated since this president took office. This should not be what the American people are all about, we should be much better than this. This letter also appeared, and again I was rather harshly rebuked.

Recently I decided to send in a third response to the latest hostile and defamatory comments. I may once again have to suffer the slings and arrows of the irrational and intemperate comments of ordinary citizens who, aside from their negative and derogatory language and the usual platitudes and tropes, state information about the president, Republicans, and conservatives that is egregiously wrong, and that the editor does not see fit to correct.

Roger Bacon, 12^th century English scientist and philosopher, once wrote, “Man prefers to believe what he prefers to be true.” Perhaps my efforts have and will continue to fall on deaf ears, and that the path we are traveling now should be the road less traveled because it is filled with hazards and pitfalls. But be assured, I will not be discouraged or threatened, nor will insults and inflammatory ad hominem attacks deter me from my mission to build bridges, and in my own small way find that light at the end of the tunnel.

Some of us have to make the effort; I believe the future of America and the world will depend on it. But not everyone will be motivated to take the actions I have, as described in this article, and that is understandable. But you can in your own way be part of the solution. For the good of this nation and her people, if you have not already done so, be certain you vote. This, as many have commented, is the most important election in our lifetime. Hopefully the incumbent, Donald Trump, will claim victory.