For the past decade or so we've seemed to reach a point where potential voters pay more attention to the actions of supporters of a candidate instead of the candidate.

            Sometimes you need to look beyond any hate and/or violence in the candidate's words and deeds and pay more attention to the words and deeds of those who advocate for them.  Should one be afraid, or is it just gaslighting?  Is it hate disguised as activism?

            Are supporters helping their candidate(s) or hurting them and if so, how should candidates respond? 

            Don't shoot your candidate or yourself in the foot while thinking you are doing a good job supporting them by bashing the opponent.

            You have told us what's wrong with the opponents, now tell us what's right with those you support.  Just being "not the other candidate" doesn't always win elections.

            But some folks just don't seem to get it.  Not every voter will vote for a candidate just because they are not the other candidate.

            I think we've seen that somewhere before.

            Those who think that they are above the law with their written words need to remember that while Pennsylvania law provides some protections for freedom of speech, a letter to the editor can still be the basis for a libel claim if it contains false statements that harm someone's reputation and the plaintiff can prove the other elements of a defamation claim.

            We clearly state on our opinion page that the opinions expressed are those of the submitter and not necessarily ours. Your words, your opinion, and your responsibility.

            I would hate to think that respect, courtesy, and common decency no longer exist in our local communities, but it looks like I may be mistaken.  You can still give it even if you didn't get it.  Maybe respect, courtesy, and common decency will return if some folks are willing to stick their hand out first.  

            Incumbents, candidates, supporters, opponents – all of us should do better.