Letter to the editor:
I was encouraged at a Jefferson County Democrats gathering in Fort Atkinson where we heard from three candidates for Wisconsin Senate District 16, which includes the southern two-thirds of the county. In an embarrassment of riches, three candidates talked of their backgrounds and experience and commitment to democracy.
One was an immigrant from Gambia in West Africa, savoring the life he has fashioned in the USA and wanting to serve to pay back. A second, an experienced female legislator and champion for women’s rights, wanting to expand her impact. A third, also an experienced legislator, who recounted a horrible accident that took away his family and left him with severe limitations. And how he was saved by the Affordable Care Act and its prohibition of lifetime limits for essential care.
But here in the top third of the County, we have different representation. Still I was feeling positive as I made my way to town for some shopping and dental visit. I was taken aback by a new “TRUMP 2024” yard sign on 12th Street. Ok. Some still support TFP, but that’s just one in a sea of folks who will vote to retain our democracy, restore women’s right to choose, etc. We got six months to get our word out. Then at a popular meat market in town, I saw a worker with a “TRUMP MAGA” hat! Wow. Management allows this? I asked and was told if someone felt strongly about Biden they could wear their BIDEN hat! These are not best practices for commercial operations perhaps but so be it. Then at my dental cleaning, I casually mentioned our new slogan for Biden 2024: “YES I’LL HAVE A SECOND CUP OF JOE” to the hygienist holding a sharp object near my molars. This is an establishment that exudes competence and caring and customer service. Total professionalism. But it became clear that I need to keep my mouth shut in the dentist’s office, as confusing as that sounds. I was told that the 2020 election was stolen, that Biden is responsible for high prices etc. I was shocked into speechlessness.
We have six months to get the word out. Or our experiment in democracy may be over.
Ben Adams
Town of Watertown
File photo/Kim McDarison
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