When you run for office, you typically request a list of registered voters to help you get organized. I figured I would share what Fredon’s current political breakdown looks like for those who find this type of information interesting too.
I know the numbers change constantly, so what I received may be different from other official counts. Still, it gives a basic look into the town’s political tendencies this past year.
As you look at the breakdown, I urge those who regularly talk passionately about national and state politics to think through the effects of how and where you present strong opinions. When you talk about politics at a family function, you might say something a bit aggressive or insulting that shuts down the minds of a few people who don’t agree.
But, when you step up to the online podium and microphone to say this same comment on a community forum with Fredon neighbors, you may shut down the minds of 100s of people.
There is no doubt that we all have a right to free speech, and you may say you don’t care if people agree with you, but you wouldn’t post your opinion if you weren’t secretly hoping for support.
So, if you do admit you care and want local people to come to your side on issues, calling them “ignorant,” “deplorable” and “woke” won’t make them move closer to you on the fence. Laughing at comments to dismiss feelings and opinions, telling neighbors they can move if they don’t like something, YELLING ALL IN CAPS, and name calling even in general terms, such as, “Trump's wall," "Biden inflation," "those liberals in Trenton” or “the Fox News watchers” immediately turn off the minds of those you are trying to change.
Please forgive me if I come across as lecturing. It is not my intent at all. I am simply trying to say some things that I think need to be addressed head-on in town in order to improve morale and our sense of community so we can accomplish more together. I am also encouraging neighbors to go easy online with the state and national politics or take conversations offline if they get too intense.
And, to help us all keep some perspective as we work together on our local objectives, here is what my husband Don reminds me when we vote on municipal elections:
“There is no Republican or Democratic way to announce recycling dates, run a rabies clinic, or organize a community clean-up day. There is just the figure-it-out-and-do-it-cheap way.”
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