(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

I am tired of being told I hate America.

I love this country. I love our woods and rivers and plains and mountains. I love our people, their courage, tenacity, big hearts and creative minds. I love that we keep working to overcome the mistakes of our complicated past. I love our vision of a better world and all the things we try to make that a reality.

I also believe we can do so much better than we are doing.

I believe we can guarantee healthcare for everyone and make sure all our people have a safe home and enough to eat. I believe we can end our long struggle with racism. I believe people have rights no matter who they choose to love or marry. I believe women should control their own bodies and futures. I believe that the ultra rich should pay their fair share so everyone can live reasonably well. I believe we can meet our needs for energy without endangering the planet.

As a result, I keep hearing from Republicans that people like me hate America. This is such garbage.

Instead, let’s discuss the ideas you have and the ideas others have for helping the United States of America realize its promise more fully. We may not agree on everything and that is okay, because this country has a rich history of working together even while we struggle with differing views.

Stop saying that we hate America. It is lazy, manipulative and deceitful. Let’s engage honestly about our differences. Let’s make this country a garden of Eden for all of us.

John Schmieding

Athens