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As a Stanly County native for 70 years, I can say I have witnessed some very unusual things, but nothing like the past year 2020.

At present the state of our union is divided, the health of our economy is weak (except for funeral homes and gun shops), and the health of our people is debatable. Nobody seems to be happy but the Chinese and the Russians.

Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent, you will agree that 2020 has not been an enjoyable year. So what can be done to minimize our losses?

We do have choices. To do nothing is a choice.

(1) “We the People” elected our leaders and we got exactly what we deserve. No better, no worse. lf we want good government then we need to get active and elect honest people.
Case in point — most of our elected officials in Stanly County belong to the Republican Party.

I can honestly say as a former mayor and town council member of Richfield, most of our county leaders were my friends and l always thought they did a great job for Stanly County.

Two years ago we all worked together to pass a sales tax that was needed for our schools. Everyone was working together for “the safety of our children.” As a lifelong Democrat, I appreciate anyone who works for our children’s well being.

(2) “We the people” decide as individuals if we are going to follow the recommendations of doctors, scientists and elected officials. Ask yourself, “How are we doing?” Some people think the virus will get worse, others think it is being exaggerated.

Right now the rest of the world is laughing at us for the problems we are having. Some nations are doing a much more efficient job in testing and administering vaccines than our country. ‘We the People” can do a better job if
other countries are doing a better job.

(3) “We the People” need to be prepared. I would laugh if it wasn’t so sad. Every day I read posts sent by citizens warning everyone to be prepared — buy guns, ammo — be ready for violence. You can’t shoot a virus with a gun.

One presidential candidate believes January and February will be much worse than ever before. If he is correct, we have time to help save many lives. lf he is
wrong, then we can still be better prepared to save lives instead of taking lives.

Let us work at vaccinating as many people as possible.

If our high school athletes want to play team sports this spring, we need to get serious about fighting this virus. Our students really want to get back to school and have a normal school year with a real graduation.

Leave your guns at home and wear your masks.

It is the least “We the People” can do for our young people in Stanly County.

Jim Misenheimer

Richfield