A call for unity ahead of the election

To the Editor:

“We must love one another or die.”

These words from the poem, “September 1, 1939,” were a call to people to respond, with eyes and hearts open, to a world changing event.

On the eve of another very significant event, our 2024 election, one of our presidential candidates continues to sound quite a different call. Claiming immigrants and Democrats are “destroying our country,” his message is that we must be fearful, angry and mistrustful or lose everything. 

In truth, immigrants fill critical jobs in our economy including in the food, construction and health industries. Both Republican and Democrat Wisconsin dairy farm owners agree that without immigrant workers, our state’s dairy industry could not survive. They also know that in truth, crime among immigrants is lower than among native born Americans.

Economists from both parties agree that in truth, data shows the current administration presides over what is the strongest economy in the world. Law enforcement officers know that violent crime, dropping since 2023, has declined in some major cities by 25 percent in just the first six months of 2024.

This does not mean that all Americans feel the benefits of a strong economy or that everyone feels an adequate sense of safety. It does mean, however, that many voters are being seriously misled and drawn into fear and anger through misinformation. 

Before we vote in this crucial 2024 election, perhaps we should take time to look within ourselves. Are we leaning toward fear, anger and mistrust or toward love, optimism and hope?

The strength and endurance of our democracy depends on our capacity and willingness to open our hearts to our neighbors all across our country.

Jean Fisher

Wausau