Quick question: When you drop off a toy for Toys for Tots, do you request that it only be given to a family who supported Hillary Clinton because, after all, Trump supporters are all uneducated racists and sexists?
Or when you drop money into the Salvation Army kettle or Interfaith Human Services bucket, do you say that you don’t want that money going to anyone who supported Hillary Clinton because they’re all elitists who could care less about the working-class people here in the “Rust Belt?”
I’m guessing (praying, actually) that the answer to both of those questions is a definitive No! And that besides not painting each other with broad brushes, we also don’t let how another person votes affect how we treat that person.
I apologize for delving into politics in what should be a time to write about good cheer and Christmas spirit, but bear with me. While the result of the presidential election surprised many people, what I found maybe more surprising was the “how did this happen” analysis, with the conclusion that many reached being: “We didn’t listen.”
That conclusion came from people in the media — which was shameful to hear from others in my profession since one of the biggest aspects of being a journalist is listening to people! — and also people who posted thoughts on their Facebook pages. While we don’t need to agree on everything, just listening to people — and not just friends but also strangers and those who are in a different situation or have a different point of view — is what helps our communities succeed.
Now for the good cheer part — I believe we do, for the most part, have that here in Happy Valley. While being a fairly affluent community, we recognize and hear the people in need. How else to explain all the amazing nonprofit efforts and organizations we are blessed to have that help so many? Look at the effort to raise money for families who continue to be affected by the flood that hit Milesburg and Bald Eagle Valley in the fall, or how several local churches are involved in the Out of the Cold program and become overnight shelters for the homeless during the winter, or how many people simply volunteer their time to just be that helping hand or shoulder to lean on or ear to listen for another fellow human being. We listen, and we act.
We have much to be thankful for here. I know at Town&Gown, we’re thankful for you — our readers and advertisers. You allow us into your homes and businesses, and allow us to listen to your stories and hopes and dreams.
So from all of us at Town&Gown, we want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and the best of holiday seasons! We look forward to listening to you more in 2017!
