Editor, The Beacon:

I remember proudly and peacefully waving signs for candidates running for public office that I respected and supported.

I smiled unruffled at the jeers from rolled-down windows of passing cars (mainly to annoy them) whose occupants obviously disagreed with my choice. Of course, they had as much of a right to loudly disagree as I did to wave that sign for a cause or a candidate. That is democracy.

I remember having civil conversations while sharing a corner with someone holding the sign of an opposing candidate. I’ve even shared my M&Ms with them! That’s democracy.

I remember peacefully marching along the sidewalks of DeLand for a candidate or cause I supported, proudly chanting, “This is what democracy looks like!”

I never want to say to my great-grandchildren, “This is what democracy looked like!” There can never be a past tense for democracy in America!

Vote for equality, empathy, and education … not for hate, power and violence.

We are now facing the sunset of our democracy that so many have given their lives for. We must survive the night, and welcome a dawn filled with hope for everyone.

Please vote!

Barbara Keene

DeLand