To the Editor,
This past political season has been one of the most ruthless I’ve ever witnessed—and I’ve seen many. Some have been good, some bad, but never truly mean-spirited like this. I’ve had to ask myself: what has changed? Why has my own political party undergone such an angry transformation?
I have a question for the current leadership of my local Central Republican Party: Where are you from? How long have you lived in Oregon, and where did you move here from?
I’m sure we have members who were born and raised here, along with others who relocated from different counties or states (that’s another topic entirely). But I’m particularly curious about those who throw signs, yell horrible things at their neighbors, lie about other Republicans, and demean citizens for reasons unknown.
This behavior feels like a scene from Mean Girls—without the striking looks. It would be interesting to see if there’s a common denominator among these angry newcomers. Perhaps it’s time for us to take back the reins until they can accept that they now live in Oregon.
We would love for them to get to know us as a community—not as “us” versus “them.” If that’s not possible, perhaps their old communities would welcome them back. Then again, maybe not.
Sincerely,
Tina Gotchall
