Most of my generation probably remembers the book “Profiles in Courage.” It essentially looked at people who had the courage to “take a stand.” Politics today is challenging and it takes courage to become involved. There seem to be only two choices — extreme right and extreme left, no middle. I regard myself as someone who dwells in the middle supporting issues versus party or person. It is with great dismay, since I gravitate more left, that I see the Democratic Party emulating the divisive rhetoric of the Republican Party. A difference of opinion is just that, a different perspective. I have never agreed with everything one candidate says, and I do not believe in blind loyalty to one party.
For the first time in a primary I will ask for a Republican ballot. I want to support Phil Scott and the courage he showed in standing up for gun legislation. He is a supporter of gun rights — reasonable gun rights, as am I.
The NRA philosophy of all or nothing is damaging to all Americans. There is a reasonable middle ground. Can anyone really imagine our brilliant forefathers standing around supporting assault weapons?
I would ask both Democrats and Independents to forgo their usual ballot choice and give up their personal choice for a candidate to send a message that is loud and clear — you do not punish courage; you do not support extremism. You reward leaders who take a stand even if you don’t agree with all their policies. This is a bigger issue than political party. Intimidation should have no role in American politics. Intimidation is the tool of totalitarian governments and dictators.
Donna Donahue
Middlebury