At the ripe old age of 51, I’ve formed an opinion or seven. Still, I try to remain open-minded, knowing that others have stories and perspectives I may not agree with but can still respect.
First, let me be clear: my political views are mine alone, shaped by my story and my hope for the future of OUR COUNTRY.
Recently, OUR PRESIDENT stated that he has ended six or seven wars—maybe even more than any president before him. While I appreciate the intention behind that claim, what I see in the world feels very different. And I’ll admit: I can only take so much television news. After losing someone to violence, it’s hard to turn on the TV and watch a steady stream of shootings, stabbings, and tragedy in our communities. So, this post is based on what I’ve taken in—feel free to correct me if I’m off base. Call it an opinion. Some of the wars that he suggested are ended are not. Some may be on hold, some are continuing to fight and kill each other.
From my view, the Israel–Palestine conflict looks worse than it has in decades. I’m not taking sides, but the human toll is undeniable: hunger, displacement, and death among innocent people continue daily.
Russia and Ukraine? No closer to resolution. If anything, after talks with Putin and Zelensky, things often escalate—as if each side wants to get in one last round of strikes, one more chance to inflict damage. Reports even suggest Russian drones have entered neighboring countries’ airspace.
Then there are tariffs. I hope they work, but as a retailer in America, I see the challenge firsthand. Many customers don’t want to pay the higher prices that come with selling only American-made products. It’s simply easier and cheaper to shop at big box chains or online. Amazon and Costco have changed consumer behavior forever. Why drive to a local store that may not have exactly what I want when I can order it from my couch and have it tomorrow? In many cases, my time is worth more than the money I’d save. Ironically, Amazon could even cost more and still win out on convenience. Tariffs, in my opinion, will only make things harder for retailers who then must raise prices—impacting every citizen’s pocketbook. Let competition flourish. The businesses that innovate and adapt will survive.
Locally, I notice more retail vacancies. Many industries, like real estate, don’t even need brick-and-mortar offices to succeed anymore.
All of this leaves me with one conclusion: we are more divided as a nation than at any other time I can remember. Now, maybe those ten or twenty years older than me would see it differently, but to my eyes, the divide is deep. What we need is leadership that unites, not divides. We don’t have to agree on everything—but we do need to respect each other.
I didn’t agree with Charlie Kirk on many things, yet his assassination was a devastating sign of where we are as a country. We must stop pointing fingers outward and instead look inward, asking ourselves:
“How can I help OUR COUNTRY, OUR COMMUNITY?”
Beautifully said, Erik. Thank you.
Like all of us, you have many questions that we are not getting answers to. I thought I saw you yesterday at the Master Gardener Fall Festival. My heart hurts for you when I think of what horror you have been through. I understand about Amazon and other on line sellers. In the late 50s, my husband read a book predicting the future and it said people would be buying on the internet in the future. I thought it would not happen as the book said, but it has. It saddens me to go downtown for what is now (wine shops) and what was. Thank you for a wonderful column