Illinois Valley News welcomes letters to the editor.
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POLICY ON LETTERS:
‘Illinois Valley News’ encourages letters to the editor provided they are legible and not libelous or scurrilous. All letters must be signed, including name, address and telephone number. The latter need not be published, but will be used to verify authenticity. The “News” reserves the right to edit letters. Letters are used at the discretion of the publisher.
(Editor’s Note: Views and commentary, including statements made as fact are strictly those of the letter writers)
I have friends and family with decidedly different political views than I do. Many are so opposed that we seek to focus on other ideals that we share- lest we join the cancerous division sweeping our country. When I see big pickup trucks emblazoned with giant flags and MAGA regalia, I don’t flip them off! I don’t get in their face at a stop sign and threaten them.
I am first an American and second a Democrat. I was accosted by a white male extremist 2 weeks ago at the Crater Car Wash on “F” Street. He then continued spewing vicious, venomous, racist, misogynist expletives to me at the gas station, asking me if I was a f’ing ni**er lover too. On another occasion an extremist ‘Karen’ told me to park across the street- not on her Republican side of the street on 6th where the Republican office is. She continued that was her side of the street.
Yesterday, I was asked to help an elderly couple with a puppy, they had no business having in the first place. I drove a good distance and took a chunk of my day to help them. The husband sees “Vote for Harris” on my car as I am driving down the street. Again a vitriolic diatribe comes spewing out his mouth at me. “Keep the FK going….” You can go full throttle Maga at someone you don’t even know- and that is ok in your America. Well, it isn’t ok in mine. Extreme hate is not my America. I do not delude myself into thinking we don’t have Democrats who need a good dose of mouthwash from time to time. But the imbalance of self-appointed white privilege and power is clear! I will fly my flags with pride and my right to do so- alongside of you. Do not spit in my face!
And then the other day, a gentleman in his big truck was Looking at me intensely. I wonder what kind of venomous excrement will discharge out of his mouth. We are both in the Winco parking lot. He smiled. I wonder is that a Chesire cat grin? We both proceed to the Panda Express- him first to order. I see him in his rearview mirror staring at me still.
But I feel safe in my car. He moves along and checks out. I pull up to the window to finish my order. He slows down, pauses a minute, gets out of his truck, and starts approaching me. I am like “Oh shxx.” He is probably 6-foot, white, nice-looking, and has the gentlest smile. He tells me, “Thank you for putting a smile on my face today. You be careful little lady there are some bad, dangerous people out there. Thank you, you made my day”. He was my America! End.
Raleigh Smith
Grants Pass
September 17 – 23 commemorates the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America 237 years ago. You might have heard the phrase “That’s unconstitutional” or “That’s my constitutional right.” Many times Americans believe those sayings and phrases are in our constitution, but they really aren’t. The Constitution does not grant the right to have cases heard by a jury of “my” peers, and it does not contain the phrase “separation of church and state.” The only crime defined in the Constitution is treason, which refers to adhering to or giving comfort to the enemies of the United States. The Constitution does not mandate the President and Vise President be from the same party. Study the Amendments, the Bill of Rights; Know your Constitution. This announcement was provided by the Rogue-Applegate Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Josephine County.
Alice Raviolio
Cave Junction