I recently made a public endorsement in a local political race for a candidate that I have known for nearly 40 years.  That endorsement must have really struck a nerve with my friend’s opponent.  After reading her response, I actually had to go back and read my letter of endorsement.  The hateful tone that she responded with had me question what I had initially written.  Not once in my letter did I criticize her performance in office.  Not once did I even make a negative remark about her or even use her name.  My letter was very simply a letter of endorsement.  Not once did I claim to have a superior knowledge of that office than the current occupant.  I did make one vague comment about her signs and the use of a cartoon, something that I have never seen used in a political campaign.  That comment was purely my opinion based on my observation.  After all, it was filed under “opinion pieces” and we all are allowed to have opinions, at least so I thought.

I was amazed to read her letter responding to my endorsement.  I admit this is a new age in politics and I guess I just haven’t learned the process.  I have always been taught that if someone endorses your opponent and doesn’t attack you, you ignore it and seek other endorsements.  I guess I am learning that the new response is to attack the endorser.  As a matter of fact I should have learned this in the last election cycle.  I endorsed a candidate and received a very hateful text from one his opponent’s supporters.  I guess that should have taught me not to have an opinion.  But I digress.  

Again, I never said anything negative or critical about this lady, yet she chose to criticize my job and try to explain what I do and don’t do at my job.  I didn’t make claims of any type with regards to my current position and never offered any notion of disrespect to hers.  However,  I can assure her that I have far better concept of being the “keeper of the records” than thinking that means putting them in the right filing cabinet.  I made absolutely no representation as to her daily duties.  Her explanation of what she perceives as my daily duties, shows that she certainly has no clue as to what I do.

With respect to the comment about her signs,  I appreciate her explaining that it is a “marketing strategy.” I am sure there are those that this strategy attracts.  I am also sure that there are those that do not buy into it.  For everyone that likes them, I would imagine there is one that doesn’t.  I still believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion.  I meant no disrespect.  The signs are very well done and I know that they had to cost her quite a bit.  As to whether “it works” or not remains to be seen.  Who knows this may be the next new wave or “marketing strategy.” I appreciate the advice.  

This is still the United States and we should still have the freedom to support who we want.  Many may live by the mantra that the friend of my opponent is my enemy.  I don’t believe in that.  Some of my good friends are supporting this lady and they will remain my good friends.  I am not disappointed in them for supporting her, it’s called freedom.  I have never had anything against this young lady, but it would appear she harbors some ill feelings toward me and she unleashed it in her letter.   It doesn’t change the fact that I endorse one of the best friends I have ever had in my life, Wayne Thompson.

_ Vince Dean