Neighbors and fellow citizens, grace to you and peace! ‘Tis the season — campaign season, that is — the season of signs, during which you and I exercise our First Amendment free speech rights and display our support for the candidates of our choice.
It saddened me this morning (on a short five-mile drive) to count half a dozen signs (from both parties) lying on the ground, the metal stakes removed. I keep hoping that all of us (red or blue) will conduct this fall’s campaigns in a way that strengthens our country in the process. So, I’m dismayed whenever extreme partisans try to stifle the other side’s voice. As a partisan myself, I’m upset when my team’s signs are defaced, but I’m more sad when anyone in our democracy behaves in an undemocratic manner and fails to respect a fellow citizen’s opinion. Tolerating differing views is something that makes America great.
Can we make a pledge? Let the signs come down with the leaves after Nov. 5. Until then, as Americans who play fair, let’s let each other’s opinions stand. Disagree with a sign? Put up one of your own. Join the conversation. ‘Tis the season!
