Civility would make me happy

I recently watched TV commercial made by the candidates running for Governor of Utah:  Spencer Cox and Chris Peterson. The candidates worked together to produce an ad saying that although they had different opinions, they did not hate each other and would work together after the election to do what’s best for Utah.

Wow.  Wouldn’t that be wonderful if our president would say the same thing.  Wouldn’t it be uplifting if he said he is the President of all Americans; that he would treat Republicans and Democrats alike; that he cares about everyone in the United States? Wouldn’t it be great if no matter if who win, he would form a team with the other side to work for our county?

Instead he continues to spew divisive words and hate filled speech. He continues to make threats to treat states with Democratic governors differently than ones with Republican governors. He continues to claim if he does not win, it will be due to fraud. He continues to empower the alt right and militias to do violence. He refused to condemn the Michigan Wolverine Watchmen Militia that attempted to kidnap the duly elected governor. Instead he responded with his familiar rant, “Lock her up!” Are these truly the actions we want from the President of the United States?

He has lied about the pandemic.  While he benefited from state-of-the-art medical care and received experimental drugs before he became deathly ill, he later said contracting the disease was nothing. The first thing he did at the White House was to remove his mask.  Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was contrite after getting COVID-19 and admitted, after spending a week in an ICU, he made a mistake and that everyone should wear masks.

The President has politicized mask wearing, one of the most valuable ways to inhibit the virus’ spread.  He has demeaned highly-respected immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci calling him a disaster and an idiot because the doctor continues to tell the truth about COVID-19 and tries to repair the damage the President has done through his dismissive behavior.  Now the pandemic is moving into the rural areas of Kansas and Missouri and throughout the Midwest, where medical care is limited.  It is a disaster growing daily.

In Kansas and Missouri we are seeing similar hate-filled ads spewing similar lies. When Kansas candidates were supposed to show up at a Shawnee Mission Post forum, those from the Republican Party failed to attend. They did not try to engage with the citizens, perhaps because spreading false information in ads is so much easier than having to answer to a moderator and other candidates.

I want elected officers who will stop the hate speech.  In the first debate, I liked when Former Vice President Biden turned to the audience, saying “Just VOTE.”  I admit he said shut up to the president, but to be honest that was going through my head with all the nasty interruptions.  I like Congresswomen Sharice Davids who does not use scare tactics.  I like Kansas State Senator Barbara Bollier, a doctor who cares and doesn’t turn her back on the poor in Kansas like her opponent has done.  I like former Kansas House Representative Joy Koesten who understands the heartbreak of dealing with a child battling with mental illness and has a record of helping Kansans in need.

I have already turned in my ballot.  Even so, I wish those running for office here and around the country would do what the candidates for Utah governor have done: promise civility.  Perhaps then we can return to the United States of America that I’m so proud to call my home.