To the editor,
As June 10 rapidly approaches and we enter the final stretch of our local election races, it’s time for the online partisans to “touch grass.” Seriously. Think about your kids playing online and how exhausted you might be as a parent! “Kids, go outside and touch grass.” Essentially, get off-line and into nature. You’ll be happier and less likely to react impulsively to angry posts.
For all of the hyper-partisan online junkies who have spent every waking hour attacking local candidates they don’t support, maybe it’s time to touch grass. For those so negatively invested in politics that they vandalize someone’s political sign—touch grass. For everyone leaving angry, hateful notes on local candidates’ cars—touch grass. And for everyone whose only argument for supporting someone is that they hate the person they don’t know, just because they’re bitter about the results of a national election—touch grass.
When you step outside into the community, you’ll quickly realize there are many wonderful people out there. They might not share your national political views, but they’re still great people doing their best for their community and family. You’ll see that incumbents aren’t evil, and neither are challengers. Most local candidates are simply trying to contribute to our beautiful coastal town.
Touching grass might also help you see that the “us vs. them” mentality you’ve been pushing online—and maybe even in letters to the editor—was at best misguided or, at worst, downright harmful. It might even inspire you to reconsider your approach. Delete Facebook from your phone and, most importantly, go outside and touch grass. The worst thing that can come from this is some peace and quiet away from the internet. The best? You might realize that everyone running for local office is your neighbor and deserves more respect and decency than you’ve been giving.
John Prindiville
Stanley Road
