Editor: 

A week ago over 500+ people gathered in Minocqua to fill bags of food to feed the hungry in areas hardest hit by Ebola.  The groups gathered were churches, service groups, individuals, families, and kids of all ages. We didn’t know each other’s political leanings and we worked side by side on a common cause. It was such a lift to work in an environment of acceptance and free from disharmony. I found myself wondering why the people in the state of Wisconsin cannot do this more often on the issues that are serious for our own poor, on the state of our education for our own children, on the formation of jobs that will support families, and in the quality of life that Wisconsin has been known for. I am weary of the politics. 

I talk to others equally weary and find we are losing our focus on what is important.  It is time to stop the divisiveness of politics that are sealing off important conversations because it has gotten too hard to be civil.  I see no future in voting for our current Governor who from the moment he took office started us on a path of us vs. them. I know that sounds like I am being political and partisan. But in truth I am not. If Scott Walker was not on the ballot I could have hope for a different path other than the one we have been on in the last two years. Whether we vote democrat or republican we should not have to worry about losing our voice. If we lose our voice we lose our democracy.

The views of the people of Wisconsin are diverse and creative.  We need all parties to be part of the conversation.  We need to work together as we did for a day in Minocqua last week.  We need opportunities to hear all sides.  When I vote on November 4^th I will be voting to engage people rather than taking away their ability to be heard.   I will not be voting for Scott Walker. 

Sincerely, 

Diane Reupert