The recent news of a shooting in Los Angeles of two sheriff deputies continues to add to the tragedies in our nation, brought on by – what?  Ambushed while they were sitting in their patrol car, they were shot in the head and rushed to the hospital.  Shortly after, protestors showed up blocking the doors to the hospital shouting "we hope they die" among other vile chants.

            What is causing this madness?

            The Coronavirus pandemic, racial tensions, defund the police advocates, police shootings, the political infighting, or just plain hatred.  Perhaps it's all of the above.  Possibly it's some of the above.  Maybe it's none of the above.

            But the murder and mayhem on all sides must stop.  But, will it?

            Maybe after the election (I doubt it) or when a virus and cure for COVID-19 is found and the people of the United States can get back to the old normal instead of the new normal, and can share a smile and handshake (that will help).  It might end when we all start treating each other like equals.

            The last one is especially important in these final weeks leading up to the election.  There are fanatical blue and red supporters.  The ones who will not accept anything other than enthusiastic support for their candidate.  Ask a legitimate question and get attacked with rhetoric with no basis of truth, "facts" with no verifiable source, or stories built on shifting sands...

            There is a vast majority of undecided voters, still trying to make up their minds as to who to vote for, or against.  While trying to make up their minds, it is best for hard-core supporters of candidates to not alienate theses potential allies.  Your conduct with an undecided voter could quickly send someone searching for answers straight to the opposition's camp.

            We talk about the candidates' behavior but extremism from a candidate supporter or group of supporters can quickly cross a line when they decide a seeker of information is a lower class voter, and try to bully their candidate into becoming the choice of the undecided.

            Undecided voters are not ready to abandon their reasoning and their conscience without a good reason.

            Right now, all sides need the vote of the undecided. 

            You, the fervent supporters of one candidate or another must treat them with the respect of an equal or your candidate of choice will risk losing their vote.