Editorial: We all have rights and beliefs, so let’s respect each other

The Constitution was put into place for a reason. We must continue to follow those principles or our democracy as we know it will no longer exist.

The two issues I want to bring up today are two hot bed topics; kneeling and guns. The political world currently has politicians getting involved, telling the American people how to think and the way to think. This is unacceptable. Elected officials work for the people, not the other way around.

The people should not be intimidated to make certain decisions or live in fear. We’ve seen this intimidation as people elect to take a knee or talk about their right to do so because of social injustice in this country. It has nothing to do with the President or local officials to call out folks or even deny the opportunity because a person feels that they can use their first amendment right.

The second issue today is gun debate. I will say right here and right now that I hate guns and have never used a gun. At times, I do not understand why people own so many guns and it baffles my mind. My beliefs, however, do not give me the right to infringe on anyone or their rights. Just because I don’t like guns does not mean that I want them taken away from people. The second amendment allows that right and when there is a mass shooting, that doesn’t mean that politicians should use the platform to try to get reelected. This just brings on fear and makes people buy more guns.

My overall message to people of all races, let’s stop fighting. Let’s stop allowing politics to divide us. When we lose our basic principles, then we lose our ability to truly be free.