President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, with all due respect, I ask that you please examine your styles, strategies, and verbal expressions as you seek another term in the White House. It’s time to remove the hatred and disrespect that has become rampant in your campaigns. Both of you, or your supporters, have used inflammatory language and visuals that raise the public’s anger and anxiety. For some people, this encourages acts of aggression. The recent violence epitomizes the unrestrained disregard for human life and individuality flamed by hatred.
You and I remember the 1960s, the assassinations, the violent mobs and the demonstrations that resulted in damage to property and, in some cases, injury and death of American citizens. I certainly don’t want to renew that world. I’m sure you don’t either. You are both Christians and know that a primary tenet of Christianity is to love your neighbor. You don’t have to like them, but God tells us to demonstrate kindness, respect, compassion and mercy. I would love to hear your campaign messages address your personal strengths and all the wonderful things you, as president, will do for the United States. Though I have already chosen my candidate, I no longer wish to listen to or watch disrespectful or harsh and/or untrue statements about your opposition. We are a nation of people who represent many ideas, cultures, talents and abilities. Embrace them all. Make the United States united. Make America love again.
Phyllis Jordan
Amherst