Navigation

Letter to Editor: OK on the Dark Side

Last week I attended an event in northern Door County with Rep. Mike Gallagher. Six months ago, I didn’t even know who Mike Gallagher was. Six months ago, I thought Republicans were mostly rednecks, uneducated and crazy in their support of the “orange man.” 

Little did I know that I was the uneducated one. Listening to Rep. Gallagher speak and being surrounded by people wearing red, white and blue – some even sporting their Make America Great Again gear proudly – was so new to me. Never did I think I would find myself in a room in northern Door County with Trump 2020 signs in each corner, listening to people talk about the love they have for America, sharing their concerns about the future and providing hope for many of those feeling discouraged with the state of our country right now. The conversation was filled with encouragement and positivity, all wrapped up in an immense pride for our country. 

As I connect more and more with conservative values, some of my liberal friends say to me, “Don’t worry – we will get you to come back from the dark side.” And I think, if the dark side is filled with people respecting our flag, working hard for what they have, recognizing the importance of personal responsibility, appreciating our law-enforcement officers, loving our country and, ultimately, understanding that the one true privilege we have in our lives is being born an American, then I’m OK on this side. 

Sophie Parr

Fish Creek, Wisconsin