Stop the attack ads in Vermont
When we are building community, attack ads work against us. They divide neighbors at the very time we need to work together to face a difficult future.
The ads targeting Monique Priestley come from John Benson’s campaign, the Vermont Republican Party and the Vermont Republican Federal Elections Committee. They bring to mind a strategy Newt Gingrich taught Republican candidates: Use combative language to turn Democrats into enemies.
I say: Leave Newt Gingrich in Washington. Here in Vermont, let’s try the gospel value of being kind to your neighbor.
Watch for the pattern in the next attack ad: Someone is made the scapegoat, voters are told they are victims and the Republican is cast as the hero. When you see that triangle, ask what real problem we could be solving together instead.
And remember the Ninth Commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” And “Love your neighbor as yourself.”