K. Johnson

Jersey Shore

The recent vitriolic tirade on these pages by Paul Nelson of Tonawanda, N.Y., addressed directly to Representative Borowicz, demonstrates not just its author’s extreme anger and hatred, but a narrow-mindedness that precludes any constructive discussion, while simultaneously insulting every resident of Clinton County. However, the other readers of this publication deserve to see a response.

While the Trump accusations have some possible merit, far too complicated to explain in limited space, maybe the most absurd comment in Mr. Nelson’s target-rich polemic is that Representative Borowicz “worships” Trump.

Anyone who knows her even slightly is aware that she worships only one person, Jesus Christ, just like all Christians, and she’s not shy about it. There are millions of conservatives, like me, who dislike myriad aspects of Trump’s personality, interpersonal skills and foolish comments, but can still respect his political goals and accomplishments and understand his remarkably effective negotiating strategies, even with world leaders. To call that “worship” is a failed attempt at mind-reading, or worse yet, just delusional, a characteristic all too common of many liberals over the last decade. I doubt that the delusion will end when Trump voluntarily departs the office in 2029 according to the U.S. Constitution.

Mr. Nelson shows a fundamental refusal to accept the foundation of individual rights in our country, the absolute fact that people can be exposed to identical data and evidence and arrive at diametrically opposed conclusions based on their own unique education and experiences, i.e. the jury system. It would be intelligent to accept that fact, build relationships and attempt to understand others’ perspectives, rather than attacking and denigrating anyone with whom you disagree. Wallowing in a cesspool of confirmation bias is not helpful, either for those on the right or on the left.