I am fortunate to have been born in and raised in this great democracy. I am thankful I am an American. I believe in faith, hope and charity. I also believe in family, a strong family that works through its differences and problems.
When I look at what has transpired over the past 30 years, I am discouraged at what we have endured. I have witnessed the hatred, homelessness and violence that has increased in recent years in Portland, Vancouver and Seattle. I hope for a change. A change where our streets are safe again, where I don’t have to read about tragic acts of violence and corruption, where I am not shocked by the price of gas and groceries. I have faith that, over time, our democracy will find a better path forward than the one we are currently on.
I am also discouraged with the tone and volume of political advertisements. Hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in convincing us who not to vote for or who to vote for. It’s a sad reflection of a political process that has put us where our democracy is today.
I hope with my vote, I will see a change someday where our nation has more compassion, less hatred and safer streets.
