The commercials have ended; for about a year. Signs will blow around and fade in the sun like the candidates that are forgotten. The election cycle of 2022 has ended. Yay!
What have we gained? There was no Red Wave. Likewise the Blue didn’t amount to much. We are still polarized, more than at any time in American History — said to be more so than even prior to the Civil War.
Hot topics nationally range from abortion to inflation, from defunding police to police brutality. From gun control to freedom of speech. Love him or hate him, Obama is polarizing. Love him or hate him, Trump is polarizing. We are a nation that appears divided. What are we becoming?
On the state level the race between McMullin and Lee was the most expensive in state history. Millions of dollars flowed into the Beehive state, pitting neighbor against neighbor, employer against employees, etc. Endorsements were sought and won. For what? Most Utahans are tired of backbiting and attacking.
Locally we have also had a heated race. I recently spoke to a person that feared voting at all because, “my vote would be leaked and either candidate will go after me.” This person was not speaking in generalities, but with genuine concern. When I asked others about the ridiculousness of the claim, I was told that many things are leaked from government offices in our county. I have never felt this way, but if there is a perception of that perhaps we need to rethink who we are sharing information with.
This election intimidation is not okay anywhere. But it is especially troubling in our small, family-oriented communities. We are neighbors. If you lose an election, walk away with dignity. If you win, commit to dignity and honor and respect rather than belittling the former steward of the position.
Most of us are Christians. Most would do anything for our neighbors, regardless of political leanings.
The goodness of the people is what really matters. We are led, willingly in most cases, by those of both extremes that would destroy us. But we know better. We know that ours is a land superior to all others. Goodness will prevail if we allow it. It always does. But if we attack our neighbors, we are doomed.
– by Kenny Bryce, Bryce Valley
Feature image caption: A faded election sign left up in Tropic after the end of the election. The election cycle has ended, and what have we gained?