Hopkins please focus on real issues

I was very disappointed to read the comments of Mike Hopkins in our local newspaper. My previous impression of Mike was that he held himself to higher standards. His comments were disingenuous at best. This is misdirection at its worst and highly divisive.

It’s highly appropriate to condemn extremism that causes damage to people or property, such as the damage and injury done by conservative marchers in Charlottesville, Virginia in August of 2017.

But Mike is implying that first, all the harm is being done solely by Democrats. Secondly, he is implying that all Democrats are afflicted with this “extremism,” painting them all with a broad stroke of his brush. This is not even close to reality any more than saying that all Republican congressional candidates assault journalists. Fortunately, that’s a small number.

Let’s focus on real issues as Mike asks and avoid hyperbole and misdirection. I imagine we can pull together and encourage respect rather than stoking the fuels of division.

Mike, I understand you want to be re-elected but please try to resist the temptation to become just another manipulative politician milking fear and hate. Mike, to borrow your words, you should not be allowed anywhere near the levers of power until you have developed a bit more integrity. You set the bar lower with your letter.