Lisa M. Freeman: Why do we spew hatred, venom, discourse on those we disagree with?

To The Daily Sun,

As a candidate for state representative in Belknap County District 8 (Tilton, Belmont and Sanbornton) I had the honor and privilege to participate in the Sanbornton Old Home Day parade, on July 18, with the Belknap County Republican Committee.

Despite the heat and humidity, the crowd was congenial, pleasant and relaxed. As I was handing out small, handheld American flags (which is a pleasure, especially giving one to children) an attempt was made to a woman in the crowd. She refused to take one, citing "I am not a Republican" to which I responded "OK, but you are an American." When did our flag represent a political party? When did it become a bad thing to take pride in it? Many people fought and died for that flag. We are all Americans. I don't don a sign with my party affiliation. I am so much more than that, and so are all of you. I am a mother, a widow, a great-grandchild of immigrants, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a retired occupational therapist and a friend. The irony is, hours later, an assassination attempt was made on the Republican nominee for president, Donald J. Trump, as well as the senseless murder of a father and retired firefighter, injuries to two innocent bystanders and the unfortunate demise of a 20-year-old. Why? Why, have we as a nation, turned our back on all that makes us unique as well as similar? Why do we spew hatred, venom and discourse on those we disagree with? I don't know why, but I refuse to be part of the problem. My advice to all of you, take the flag.

Lisa M. Freeman

Tilton