Manchester Area People for Peace

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Overcoming Political Differences

To the Editor

There seems to be a sense by some people that we must support our president during times of war. I am not one of those people. Our president and his administration brought us this war, which was started, and continues, under false pretenses and unrealistic expectations. Fortunately, I am an American and I have the right to express my beliefs.

People are drawing lines, choosing sides and making accusations – about Democrats and Republicans, war and peace, and lots of other things, as evidenced by recent letters to the editor. It’s another presidential campaign season. One thing everyone seems to forget in all of this is that the basic concerns of the opposing sides are the same – family, food, shelter, security, jobs, education, health care. We might differ on how to get there, but on a local level, the basics need to be available to everyone. If they aren’t, our community is stressed.

We have too much in common to allow politics to make us enemies. We are Manchester area residents who share many common values. We help and are helped by our neighbors. When it comes to national politics, my opinions may differ from some of my neighbors, but that is a minor consideration when dealing with people on a day-to-day basis. Regardless of the outcome of the presidential election, our basic concerns will remain the same, and I know we will continue to work together to build a stronger community. By doing so, regardless of any perceived political differences, we can all continue to enjoy a vibrant and peaceful community.

Please don’t let the divisiveness of the current political campaign spoil a good relationship. We are all in this together, and we should never forget that.

Sybil Kolon

Manchester Township
September 30, 2004