Around Brimfield: A vote for kindness, plus news from Brimfield and beyond

Political campaigning is in full swing, complete with attack ads making disparaging accusations, whether they be true or not, who can tell. The forecast for civility in our country is bleak, especially considering that currently we are only in the primary election. Is anyone else concerned about the lack of respect shown to others, especially if their views are different from our own? Words that are commonplace now are words that never escaped the tongue when I was young, definitely showing my age here.

For example, when did the F-word become a noun, adjective, adverb, and verb! My parents were not saints, but that was a forbidden word in our home. The Webster’s New World College Dictionary that I use still defines the F-word as vulgar and obscene. I would like to think that Portage County is better than other places, but the ads in my mailbox, the dialogues I am hearing, and even the shirts that our county sheriff is selling for his reelection bid are disproving that thought. Our home is still a refuge from that word. When we fail to be offended by that which is offensive, our personal civility has diminished. I plan to rise above the temptation to join the throng and will continue to make kindness, respect, and civility my mantra. Anyone want to join me? Oh, and Tuesday, March 19 is Election Day. Vote for civility, kindness, and respect.