The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Brigadier General Mark A. Montjar
People have legitimate concerns: Inflation that strains family budgets, scarce job opportunities, a broken immigration system, and rapid changes —technological, social, and cultural — that disrupt our sense of stability. These shifts can leave us feeling disconnected, questioning our place in society, and worried about the future.
These concerns deserve to be addressed with respect and empathy. But in doing so, we must also ask ourselves: Why do we sometimes gravitate towards leaders who are crass, crude, and loud — leaders who often spout falsehoods and hypocrisy? Why do we equate anger and aggression with leadership that “gets” our frustrations? Is it because these displays of anger seem to mirror our own emotional state, making us feel heard and acknowledged? Or is it because we mistakenly see such behavior as “relatable,” believing it shows that the leader is “one of us”?
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This perspective is not only misguided but dangerous to our democracy. Here’s why:
First, it opens the door for authoritarians to exploit our frustrations for their own gain. These leaders claim to empathize with our concerns, but their actions are self-serving. They are not genuinely interested in solving the issues that trouble us; they use our anger to gain power.
Second, this mindset frames every problem — whether simple or complex—as a zero-sum game where one side must win and the other must lose. It encourages a worldview where compromise is seen as weakness, where one side is always right and the other always wrong. This divisive approach polarizes society, making it impossible to find common ground or work together for the common good.
Third, and most critically, it undermines the core values of democracy. Democracy is built on the idea that we are all in this together, that we can collectively find solutions to our shared challenges. When we allow ourselves to be divided into victims and victimizers, we lose sight of this fundamental truth. We stop asking the essential question: “What kind of world do we want to live in together?”
For those who, despite legitimate concerns, are drawn to a leader who claims he alone can fix everything, who promises to relieve your sense of betrayal, disrespect, and fear of change, I urge you to think carefully about the world you’re choosing.
Under such a leader, you will not find the solutions you seek. Instead, you will find a world where your hopes, and those of all Americans, are dashed on the rocks of despair. It will be a world where the idea of America — a place where freedom, equality, and justice are within reach for all — will begin to perish.
Kamala Harris represents the opposite of this dangerous path. She understands the complexities of our challenges and approaches them with empathy, respect, and a commitment to democratic principles. Harris believes in addressing legitimate concerns through thoughtful, inclusive solutions that lift everyone up, not just a select few. She recognizes that true leadership isn’t about wielding power for personal gain but about serving the people and advancing the greater good.
Harris has dedicated her career to fighting for working Americans, expanding healthcare access, advocating for criminal justice reform, and ensuring that all people, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed. She doesn’t offer simple, hollow promises; she offers a vision for a better, more just America — a vision that includes everyone.
In contrast to Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric and authoritarian tendencies, Harris stands for unity and democracy. She believes that we are stronger together, that we can overcome our challenges by working collectively and with respect for one another. Harris knows that the best solutions come from collaboration, not confrontation.
As we approach the next election, it’s crucial to think carefully about the kind of leader we want for our country. Do we want someone who thrives on division and anger, who promises quick fixes that ultimately serve only their interests? Or do we want a leader like Kamala Harris, who embodies the values of empathy, integrity, and a commitment to the democratic process?
The choice is clear. Harris offers a path forward that not only addresses our legitimate concerns but also upholds the ideals that have made America a beacon of hope for generations. Under her leadership, we can continue the long struggle to make the American dream a reality for all. We can build a future where everyone has a place, where our differences are respected, and where our shared values guide us through even the most challenging times.
Let us choose a future that unites us, not one that divides us.
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Brigadier General Mark A. Montjar USA is retired from the U.S. Army. He lives in Marana.
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Publish date : 2024-08-17 03:41:00
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