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Hoping love and respect will prevail

To the editor:

After sleepless nights since the Nov. 8 election, many tears, stomach cramps and heartache, I need to express my thoughts, release these feelings, move on, put my anxieties to rest and start a healing process. The election night results triggered major fears in my heart and mind, even more than a deployment in a combat situation.

On Veterans Day, I reflected upon my experiences as a decorated Vietnam veteran (bronze star-Army Commendation Recipient). In my 68 years, I have witnessed many ups and downs, both in my personal life and in serving my country.

At the Philadelphia Convention last summer, “Love Trumps Hate” signs appeared: A statement of our American Spirit — Love will defeat Hate. Our president-elect’s initial campaign was established delegitimizing the Democratic opponent. How about the years spent denying B. Obama’s American citizenship? The president-elect has demonized minorities, promoted separation, fear and distrust. He has sanctioned racists, bigots and bullies, mocked the disabled and demeaned women.

In addition to the above negativity, significant issues were ignored with focus placed on repealing valuable current programs. The only solutions suggested were the failed trickle-down economic theory, the repeal of the Dodd-Frank banking reform, and the dismantling of agencies and treaties that would set us back decades. The president-elect’s climate change denial will result in the weakening of the EPA. Another concern is the jeopardizing of Social Security, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. What will happen if over 20 million people lose their health insurance? Also, not honoring our NATO alliance commitments could mean nuclear engagement.

In my lifetime, this will be the first president whose primary concern is self-promotion. One example is his refusal to disclose his personal income taxes. How can this be? Outsourcing manufacturing, not paying vendors or workers, housing discrimination, deceiving college students and negotiating deals for one’s own benefit is wrong. Middle America cast its vote on this unknown gamble because of a hunger for change, but people did not think of the horrendous consequences.

As for me, a deacon moderator of my local church, I reread our mission statement: “God’s timeless love transforms each of us to joyously continue the ministry of Jesus Christ in our community and in our world.” The ministry of deacons as set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, witness and service, standing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures or anyone in distress. This is what I find essential in true leadership.

In President Obama’s and Hillary’s eloquent and gracious remarks and concession speeches, they encouraged us to move forward with hope and an open mind (unlike the Mitch McConnell and GOP’s approach in 2008 to undermine and obstruct the Obama presidency). May God guide us through a smooth transition of this uncharted territory. Hopefully, love and respect will prevail.

January 2009’s inaugural headlines read: “We choose Hope over Fear.” Will the 2017 headline read, “We choose Hatred and Separation over Love and Inclusion?”

Sincerely yours,

Gerald Patten

Vietnam veteran

Redwood Falls

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