The election is Tuesday and will determine the future of not only East Ridge, but regional, state, and National government operations. Not too long ago we saw the detrimental turn of societal outliers as they attacked the nomination process of our newest Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh. I remember the outrage of so many conservative Americans as they witnessed before their eyes the complete lack of respect for the method of process and witnessed modern-day forms of anarchism. This election will be a litmus test of where we are as an American people and show where/what our values are. One could notate the importance of this election by the very names it has brought forth in support of one candidate or another. Our President, Donald Trump, is scurrying about the country to secure votes for certain candidates. The former President Obama is doing the same to sway votes to the other side. This is purposed to swing votes for future agendas to play out.
East Ridge? Where does East Ridge fit into all of this? East Ridge is supposed to have a non-partisan council and Mayor’s election. I hear you. That is what is prescribed for our City. However, if you paid close attention in the days leading up to this election, it is easy to find where the candidates align. On one side you have Jim Bethune. He is a retired successful Manager of a large car dealership having over 100 people he supervised and led year after year. He has experience in East Ridge government and has been a long-serving member of charitable organizations in East Ridge. The other side has a support base that constantly verbally slanders and maliciously attacks the opposition. What happened to civility? What happened to values?
It appears that the same few names keep appearing on the battlegrounds of social media. They attack and belittle like cyber bullies with their ability to isolate a problem and use repetitive language attempting to arrive at a valid point. A simple internet search will find you arriving at a flurry of negativity spewed out of the very mouths of these same people that call for others to get along. This is called projection and is an indication of a narcissistic mindset, or perhaps, sore losers from previous elections. The opinion pieces seen of late are typical for those also seen on a national level. The tactics of the radicalized groups across the country can be seen right here in East Ridge when asking for tolerance through hate-filled speech and agreeable with you until you do not agree with them.
Jim Bethune is asking East Ridge to vote for him for mayor, so he can continue to make East Ridge great. Please look beyond the hateful and venomous rhetoric plastered by the few bitter souls that have compartmentalized their courage behind a keyboard. Jim Bethune is asking for your vote on Tuesday. If you want responsible management of your tax dollars, then vote Jim Bethune. If you want a plan to combat crime, then vote Jim Bethune. If you want to speak out against all the negative political drama, then vote Jim Bethune for Mayor of East Ridge. When you see the lashing out online from those few bitter souls, remember that bitter roots produce bitter fruits. I encourage anyone to contact Jim Bethune. He will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have before the election and as your next Mayor.
Stay Classy East Ridge,
_ East Ridge Local #735, International Brotherhood of Police Officers
