Can It Really Happen Here?

October 27, 2024 - Eight Days and Counting

Life as a rural resident has shaped me. Family, church, school and community gave me a foundation from which to be a good citizen. Neighborhood grade school, junior high and high school teachers instilled in me a sense of responsibility and a craving for learning about the world. Parents and church filled in the rest.

The political world entered my life at an early age. Vice President Nixon visited Atlantic in September 1960. I was in 5th grade at Jackson School. I remember walking home for lunch with a classmate one day during his visit. We were talking about presidents and about the exciting visit of Nixon. Our discussion led us to declare that we were Democrats as we parted company at 10th and Birch.

Richard Nixon

37th President of the United States: 1969 ‐ 1974

Remarks of Vice President Nixon

Sunnyside Park, Atlantic, IA

After lunch we met up again and she informed me that she was Republican. Alright with me. In fact, neither one of us tried to change the other one's mind. It was okay to be different. Granted, we were ten years old and didn't have a great depth of knowledge to understand the nuances of political parties and democracy. Tolerance for differing political views was a part of growing up middle class in the 60s.

Fast forward to the 2020 and the 2024 elections; things have changed. I see posts from several former classmates that are hateful and derogatory towards anyone who is not supporting their candidate in this election. It makes me sad that spitefulness is so common in politics now. There is intolerable and hateful rhetoric that was once not a part of our conversations.

I am a progressive Democrat. I am not enamored with a quite a number of things this party does, but it fits my core values and beliefs taught to me growing up in Atlantic. I often disagree and I have voted for Republicans and have supported Third Party candidates. I support people who support my beliefs.

It's important for me to remember and embrace the core values I learned growing up in rural Iowa. Freedom of speech, freedom to make my own decisions, freedom to support whomever I believe is the best candidate.

I am chairperson for my county and have been staffing the Democratic Headquarters with other volunteers for two months. I have to say, I did not anticipate putting my life on hold to be at headquarters everyday from noon until four or six o’clock, but I am glad that I have had this chance to actively engage with and be supportive to those feeling disoriented by the political rhetoric.

People walk in daily to express their dismay with the vitriol that has taken hold as we approach the election for the President of the United States. Several elderly men who are veterans have shared their disbelief at the state of this nation.

“How can it be a dead heat race?” they ask, heads shaking in disbelief, “How can our family and friends be so stupid?” Seriously, many folks cannot find a better word than stupid. I am sad to hear their stories and glad that I can be an empathetic listener.

Many are bracing themselves with the “what will we do if?” question. Some say they are moving out of the country, others will prepare to defend the potential deportees. We all pretty much know the winner won’t be declared on November 5th; there will be disruptions in the days that follow.

Signs have been stolen, flags hang with vulgar words and the atmosphere is generally hostile. There are a vast number of people who are silent and not expressing their support for any candidate. Some are silent for fear of retribution; surely not in our small part of rural America. Voting is done privately to protect one’s right to vote for whom they please. Unless one shares their choices that information remains private.

Phillip Goldberry Unsplash

It is eight days until the election. The airwaves will continue to be full of nasty, negative ads. National Public Radio recently reported that billions of dollars are being spent in Pennsylvania alone. Until we elect people who support campaign finance reform, we are stuck listening to and watching negative propaganda to influence us on who is the best person for the job.

I am concerned about the frightful man who has told us boldly and often that his presidency will be one of retaliation against the press and those who have spoken out against him. He has also alluded to the use of violence.

As Hitler took power in Germany, were there people like me shocked at the lies and actions of the dictator? Were there people who thought, "Oh, this could never happen here"; and then were horrified by the appointment of Hitler? Will our friends and family vote for a person who has told us exactly what he will do?

Next week the people of the United States, yes we are still united, will vote for the person we feel will best take our country into a positive future; a future where climate change is a major priority and unhinged capitalism is dealt with. We live under a democratic, capitalistic governance that states "We the People" putting people over politics. Can we preserve our democracy and move forward? I hope so.

I am concerned for my children and grandchildren's future. For the past fifty years our country has been driven by trickledown economics. The wealthy have gotten wealthier, the middle class has disappeared and those at the bottom of the economic ladder have had difficulty pulling themselves out of poverty. We need a President and Congress that will work to make our democracy stronger.

Early voting has begun and November 5th is just ten days away. Be sure to exercise your right and your responsibility to vote.