10/16/2024
Dear Neighbor,
This is a response to the anonymous, six page letter that I received in the mail this week that only said it was from “a neighbor.”
I’m saddened by the assumptions and accusations you made about me based solely on a yard sign. I want to express my concern about the labeling of supporters of the former President as "hateful and horrible." Many of the claims you listed are presented in a way that seeks to paint those who support Trump as intolerant or unloving. Such language can be alienating and hurtful, and it creates a divisive atmosphere that is not conducive to open dialogue. I believe that we can have differing opinions without resorting to such tactics.
I firmly believe that support for any political figure does not equate to endorsing all actions or statements made by that individual. Our political landscape is complex, and many of us find ourselves wrestling with difficult issues and varied perspectives. What is vital is fostering an environment of open dialogue rather than condemnation. I'm writing to you today as a fellow citizen and neighbor, not as a defender of the President, but as a concerned friend who wants to address the many misconceptions and hurtful statements made in your letter.
It seems we have very different ways of getting our information, and the picture you've painted of me and my motivations couldn't be further from the truth.
-First and foremost, I want to assure you that I am not a supporter of hate, violence, or division. I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being, and I strive to live out my faith by loving my neighbors as myself. Let me address the sign in my yard. I put it there not because I condone any of the things you've mentioned, but because I believe that our former president has done many good things for our country, despite the constant barrage of negative media coverage. I, like many others, voted for him because I felt he represented authenticity, a determination to challenge the status quo, and a willingness to shake up our political system.
I want you to know that I love our neighborhood and the wonderful neighbors I’m fortunate to have, including you. My support for the TRUMP sign in my yard is rooted in my hope for a better future for our community and our nation, and it reflects my belief in certain policies and values that I feel align with my vision for America.
My political views are based on thoughtful consideration of reputable sources, not conspiracy theories or propaganda. I do not support racism, violence, corruption, or any policies that harm vulnerable groups.
I must respectfully disagree with the long list of accusations you made against the President. Many of the points you brought up are factually incorrect, taken out of context, or misleading. I understand that we may have differences in opinion on certain issues, but I implore you to consider the source of your information and the possible motivations behind the narratives that are being promoted.
I want to be clear: I do not agree with, nor condone, every word or action that has come from our president or his administration. However, I believe that many of the instances you've cited are misrepresentations or taken out of context. For example:
- Our president has repeatedly condemned racism and white supremacy. The comments he made in Charlottesville were taken out of context, and he has since clarified his position.
- He has never refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power. Those are lies spread by his political opponents to discredit him.
- The 34 felony counts you mentioned refer to tax fraud charges against the Trump Organization, not our president personally. Moreover, our president has vowed to fight these charges, as he believes they are politically motivated.
- Our president's business record is impressive. He has built a successful company from scratch, employing tens of thousands of people. His past bankruptcies were strategic business decisions, not failures.
- The documents found at Mar-a-Lago have been reviewed by the Justice Department. It is bizarre that you consider this a reason to support his opposition.
- Many of the other points you've raised are either false, misleading, or gross exaggerations. I encourage you to do your own research and form your own opinions, rather than relying on one-sided propaganda.
I am disheartened by the amount of hatred and division in our political discourse today. I believe that we should be able to have respectful conversations about our political beliefs, without resorting to personal attacks or false accusations. I want to remind you that I am your neighbor, not just a political adversary. I value our community and the relationships we share. I believe that we can disagree on politics without letting that divide us. Let's strive to find common ground and focus on the things that bring us together, rather than tearing each other apart over issues that may seem insurmountable.
I encourage us to discuss our differing viewpoints respectfully. I genuinely believe that being supportive of different political opinions is part of what makes this country great. While you may view my support for Trump as embracing negativity, I see it as advocating for policies I believe will benefit our community, such as job creation, economic growth, and security.
I do not condone division or hate—on the contrary, I seek unity and understanding. I hope we can focus on what unites us as neighbors rather than what divides us. Your concerns about my beliefs mean a lot to me, and I am open to discussing them further if you would like. Our views may differ, but I believe that we can find common ground in our love for our community and our desire for a peaceful and prosperous future.
My faith and values compel me to love my neighbors and to seek the good of all. I would never intentionally support a candidate or movement that I believed would cause harm.
In closing, I want to emphasize that my support for our president is not about condoning every single thing he has ever said or done. It's about seeing the potential for positive change in our country and wanting to give him and his administration the benefit of the doubt. I encourage you to do the same and to approach our political discourse with a spirit of understanding and respect.
Please feel free to reach out if you'd like to have a civil conversation about these matters. I would be happy to listen to your perspective and share mine. After all, we are neighbors, and I believe that open communication is key to maintaining a strong and vibrant community.
Best regards,
Dean Burnette