Letter to the editor: Hateful divisiveness must stop

Seeing an autocracy in real time, I wonder if insurrectionist supporters have given pause to their goals. Democracy nearly died, and America was headed toward an autocracy. How fortunate we are to live in a democracy.

In Ukraine, we see Putin showing no compassion for life. Americans cry and are sickened by the brutality. Only a disgusting few believe Putin is a genius. I’m disheartened when thinking about the insurrectionists Elmer Rhoads, Rachel Powell and Guy Reffitt, who nearly changed our way of life. Trump-supporting insurrectionists caused destruction, spread feces on walls, glorifying Confederate flags. Even displaying pro-Nazi shirts.

Now, far right ideas spread locally. Parents and boards try to ban books that give broader views and remove world news coverage in schools. If only parents would oversee their kids’ social media with such enthusiasm.

Our government isn’t perfect. Take your vote seriously and vote for moderate candidates who believe in compromise. Argue about term limits, the debt, whatever, but stop hateful divisiveness. America will wither and die without change.

Briefly, President Biden has shown a level-headed demeanor in a serious time. My opinion, in the Afghanistan withdrawal, it was going to be a mess. Biden brought respect back to America and repaired essential NATO relationship. Economically, he passed the American Rescue Plan and infrastructure bill and rejoined the Paris climate agreement. As for gas prices, they aren’t controlled by any president.

No one knows the future, but right now I’m proud of Biden.

Frank Flori

Hempfield