Unity
Remembering Times of Unity
The Alexander Mountain fire brought back memories of the East Troublesome and Cameron Peak Fires. I am not referring to the smoke, the tension of evacuations, or the uncertainty of “when will or all this end.” The fire brought back memories of how communities came together to see one another through a difficult and frantic time in our history.
In both instances, families — from grandchildren to great grandparents — pitched in for the good of the familial whole. Full-time and volunteer firefighters put their lives on the line to protect the lives and properties of others. Churches, local governments, businesses, volunteers, etc. pooled resources to ensure people and animals were well cared for. It is times like these that we realize we are better when we are united than when we are divided.
National Crisis Point
Our nation is at a crisis point. We are divided on political, regional, ethnic, religious, and other lines. We are watching the world descend into chaos as wars and potential wars seem to be springing up wherever one may look. Many major cities are gripped by violence, exceptionally dangerous drugs, scandals, and divisions. Yet there seem to be few voices gaining traction with the call to unity, healing, mutual respect, and dignity for others. Our hands are busy pointing fingers rather than helping.
Gas, food, rent, and other essential items have prices that have inflated to the point of defining a new and painful normal. Crime endangers many and isolates those fearful for their safety. People are afraid of honest conversations for fear of being demeaned, assaulted, or ostracized.
The rural, mountain, and urban divide is real and promoted in our laws.
A Call for Unity
Like the crises of recent fires where communities came together:
- Coloradoans need to lay down their differences and begin working toward bettering the health of our state.
- Governmental leaders need to acknowledge the real-world issues that families and individuals are facing daily.
- Diversity of thought should bring depth of understanding — not division.
- Dialogue and deference are better than rioting and irreverence for others.
Let’s all recognize the crisis point we are in and choose to heal the divide…not widen it.
How I Will Pursue Unity
In seeking unity for our state, I plan to:
- Work towards ending the hostilities and divisions.
- Listen to those I may disagree with or who disagree with me. I cannot ignore them lest we continue in our cultural decline.
- Find common ground based on mutual agreement that everyone deserves liberty, justice, dignity, and respect.
- Respect and preserve the environment as we responsibly harvest the resources needed to lower costs, improve our economy, and work toward a healthier future.
- Service urban, mountain, AND rural communities well.
- Govern our finances judiciously
- Stop creating needless regulations which hamper hard working people
- Expand opportunities for people to succeed through favorable and responsible business enhancements.
I will work diligently to lead Colorado to a peaceful, free, just, and respectful condition where all Coloradoans can speak, live, and exercise their rights as free people in a prosperous place.