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To the Editor,

Rep. Keith Kidwell, I have voted for you twice, once with trepidation and once wholeheartedly. I would love to speak to you regarding a convention of states but that’s for another day. I truly appreciate the stands you have taken and the comments you have made over the last year and a half, including your comments about the recent events in Washington, D.C.

I have heard that anywhere from tens of thousands to 1.5 million people showed up in D.C. I have spoken to people that where there, seen pictures taken there of people from all walks of life, of every race, color, age and orientation. The vast majority peacefully, calmly and forcefully expressed themselves. The very small group that destroyed public property, crashed the U.S. Capitol building and assaulted police or anyone else should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Your comments regarding the shooting of a 14-year Air Force veteran who was unarmed, in my opinion could have been more forceful and could have went on to condemn all those that broke any law, including the veteran.

I’m writing this to let you know that this constituent appreciates your work and words.  Your words and actions will never be applauded by everyone. The day they do will be the day you lose. I was inspired to write this in response to the Jan. 13 “My Turn” letter written to you by Charles Smith. I appreciate and respect his opinion and wanted to add mine to balance the equation, so to speak. Words mean things and facts are stubborn things. The words mob, riot, insurrection seem to only apply to those on the right. I would like to know where those words were while cities burned for months last summer. As far as the word insurrection goes, I would think setting up autonomous zones and occupying government buildings for several days and weeks ending in the building’s complete destruction would fit that description.

The words and phrases I recall are “summer of love,” It’s a block party, “ “Mostly peaceful, “ and my two favorites: “We have to understand,” and “Antifa is an idea…”

To me, the hypocrisy is astounding.

I mentioned the John Adams quote, “Facts are stubborn things.” Like it or not, there can only be one set of facts. Everyone is free to have their own opinion of those facts. We should always be able to discuss them, calmly, maybe too loudly and freely. When one opinion becomes the narrative and the other is characterized as so evil it has to be banned, we all lose. Let’s all remember, God doesn’t pick a side, we have to choose to be on his side. Peace and love will win, hate and violence will ultimately lose.

Don DiStefano

Blounts Creek