Political stuff that frustrates us

Last week friend Roxanne Brewer sent a proposed letter to the editor. It was well over 1,000 words. When I told her it was 500 words over our policy, we talked, we vented, we loved and decided not to run the letter. She had some really good points so I asked her if I could share some in this column. She said please do. 

Roxanne called out what she deems “political stuff.” Flyers seem to be deliberately removed from bulletin boards. The cases she cited had to do with BHC GOP events. I had a similar experience. Some of the flyers I put up for an Eric Barlow meet and greet magically disappeared while all the other flyers on the boards remained in place. 

On a side note, the bulletin board at the Basin Post Office is run by the Basin Area Chamber. You’ll see us taking down signs of events that have happened and/or are outdated. Taking down outdated signs is a different matter than what her point is. (By the way, if you put up a sign, go back and take it down after it is over. That is the polite and professional thing to do.)

Similar disappearances are happening with political signs. Roxanne and I are backing different candidates in many of the races. Yet, we’ve both had yard signs vanish. Some could be “the wind,” but not all. We have both been careful about placing them legally. Not on state fences or in highway barrow ditches, etc. Taking down or defacing a sign is against the law. It is considered theft or vandalism. 

Roxanne also made a passionate plea about registering to vote. No matter your party, be an active and informed voter. 

Some of her other points: 

• Respect the office. Even if you disagree with their stance on issues. 

• Stay on the issues. Don’t hate someone because they disagree. 

• Get involved. Get on a board, on a committee and/or get elected to an office rather than just complain about how things are being done. 

To quote Roxanne directly, “It started 250 years ago. Kiss the ground of the greatest nation on the face of the earth. Stand up for America, embrace this great country. Be grateful every day that you are here, with all the opportunities and benefits it has to offer. God bless America. Respectfully, to those agree with me, and those who do not, Roxanne Brewer, Basin.”