To the Editor:
In the wake of this most recent murder of a political figure, I feel called to express the following.
Who ever thought a deep and lasting hatred would blossom among citizens in the U.S. based on presidential choice and opinion? This is not simple disgruntlement because of the outcome of this last presidential election. Nor is it simple hate, but more a river of fire with directly opposing currents aimed at those of a different opinion, with no room for deviation.
The outcome of the competitive last race for political power, the race that began between Trump and Biden/Harris in 2024 with healthy debate, has now split families, ruined friendships, and severed alliances between people for an unhealthy period of months, with no sign of abating.
The worst is that hate has triumphed over love, and hope is disappearing for healing this rift.
It is indeed a second civil war, worse than that of 160 years ago. That one involved principles surrounding slavery and economics. It had boundaries that could be largely defined by geography within the U.S. Although families were divided, it came to be known as North versus South. Many died defending their principles, and even today some resentment lives on. Ruthless evil as war is (ideologies defended by blood sacrifice), history admits to this war as changing our world for the better, freeing many from the bonds of slavery.
The civil war now in 2025 is insidious in that it has no clear boundaries, with sides and opinions secret, hidden for fear of societal separation and retaliation. The weapons so far are not generally firearms, but the growth of alienation of human beings within communities and families due to an inability to embrace the same ideology. It is punitive in nature, punishing opposing opinions through fear of retaliation, denied employment, purchasing and selling power, or some other opportunity.
As individuals, we are powerless to change this growing hatred, except to personally continue to love and embrace our family and community at large, despite their beliefs. The only solution, as Pollyanna as it may sound, is for all of us to take a good look at ourselves, our words and actions, and to love and embrace those close to us and our countrymen at large, despite their differing views, and to remember there’s a 2028 election when we as a nation will again have the opportunity to make our choices.
Annette I. Sandrock
Vineyard Haven
Annette
Excellent points. I think the present climate is driven by two things that if people understand they would do less of
1. With all the outlets to amplify people’s opinions, they have been elevated to high holy things. How dare someone say my opinion is wrong, we would all be wise to remember the old saying about opinions
2. When you virtue signal to validate yourself, then others not looking at your virtue the same way is a threat
A great example would be when people put “I got vaccinated for covid, I’m doing my part”on their social media.lwhen others decided vaccination wasn’t for them it became the pandemic of the unvaccinated .
A simple ” I like this party’s policies better. Should be enough.
Agree to disagree is a wonderful saying
Your point is well taken.
However, your history needs a refresher. I suggest keeping it easy. Take a look at the actual (not virtual) battlefields during the Civil War. Look at the faces of the people devastated by physical war. Look at the misery suffered by enslaved people.
This was real hatred with real consequences. Not virtual and personal animus with words and shunning. Violence has a real meaning. Studying Civil War history will sharpen the difference between real violence with weapons and armies against the small mostly non-violent protests and media snipes that we have today.
Let’s not lose perspective.
The only history I referenced was covid
How in the world did that get pivoted to the civil war?
This country is divided but not even close to civil war level
So I agree , let’s not lose perspective
Sadly, you misinterpreted my comment to be about you. It was directed at the letter itself. You will find the Civil War referenced there. If you look closely, you will see that replies to comments are indented and separate comments directed to the article or letter are not. Please take another look. Please, take a breath. You’ll be ok.
Lighten up John, it’s a pretty safe bet that Ed’s comment was meant for Annette
I beg to differ in regards to the comment…..not near civil war……we very well could be .If you were to frequent the *negative* spaces on social media and chat forums as I do….to keep an eye on the temperature of things ( to put it simply) you might think differently. They being MAGA ( no offense just an observation) are spewing violent hatred, threats and steering individuals to groups and systems more private to foment even deeper hatred and talk of violence. They talk of organizations that are recruiting, of groups such as the proudboys and 1% ers. They talk about prepping, stocking up on ammo and weapons. We need to not be naive. There are roughly 3 million military and law enforcement( police – state, local and sheriff departments) to possibly squelch it, this doesnt include Noem’s militarized troops( which includes individuals from many departments)There are
10’s of millions of armed individuals….. More weapons in this country than people.
Both sides should step back, take a deep breath, and then exercise their given right to select to represent them those who reflect their values.
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