The Daily Item
March 3, 2024
The Standard-Journal
It was disturbing to read in The Guardian that 77 percent of Americans believe that the country is going in the wrong direction. Alarmingly, 23 percent of Americans believe that political violence may be justified “to save our country.” This percentage has increased markedly from 15 percent in 2021.
The Guardian’s information source was the PRRI/Brookings Institution 14th Annual American Values Survey, which asked questions regarding candidates for president, the overall direction of the country, the economy, inflation, and more.
Recently, threats to members of Congress, election officials, poll workers, and judges have skyrocketed. These public servants are people whom we elected or who volunteer to serve. They all deserve to perform their jobs without fear.
Most Americans are sick and tired of the nasty, immature, unhelpful – even dangerous – comments shared on social media, flown on flags, or spewed at campaign events.
Many of us appreciate that President Biden does not use hateful, crass language to anger and splinter us; he shows us that we can be civil. He strives to improve life for Americans by enacting effective legislation to tackle the everyday problems that Americans say are issues. He continues to negotiate with Congress on unfinished business.
A democracy requires hard work and that citizens participate wisely, without threatening, harassing, or harming public servants.
We have been given an extraordinary opportunity, through enormous sacrifice by others, to thrive as a free nation. Let’s choose decency and seriousness over hate and lunacy.
Carolyn Coldren
Lewisburg