To the editor,

More than a few conservative and centrist Americans now report depression over the gap between their beliefs and values and those of progressives, socialists, and human secularists. Anxiety and hopelessness in children are increasing. Narrowing or closing the divides seems remote.

Public policies and laws must support one or the other of opposing beliefs for social stability when there can't be compromise. Otherwise, confusion reigns and “justice” becomes oppressive.

Which beliefs have caused federal law enforcement to investigate traditional Catholics and pro-lifers as threats to the country? Or persuaded librarians to label peaceful parents questioning the appropriateness of school library materials as terrorists? Or excuse violence and destruction because of unproven discrimination?

Progressives applaud the new book White Rural Rage. Authors Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman think non-urban white voters are threats to democracy. By implication, most rural Wisconsin residents are racist, xenophobic, homophobic, anti-immigrant, anti-democratic, conspiracy believing, white Christian nationalists who justify violence as an acceptable alternative to peaceful public discourse.

What Brave New World do we live in? Are these horrible people our neighbors, hiding in the shadows of conservatism? Do you, rural citizens, look in the mirror and see all these attitudes in yourselves?

Wisconsinites need to seriously consider what path we take into America's future because the one we're on, the one that produced authors Shaller and Waldman, is frightening. Which philosophy and ethics should we support?

Which produces the best justice for all? Using science and faith to resolve disagreements or unfounded accusations requiring surveillance and imprisonment without guaranteed due process? Universal application of laws and individual freedoms hang in the balance.

Either we acknowledge that a Divine Creator of life and unquestioned morality exists, or we don't. We either agree that the U.S. Declaration of Independence and Constitution honor and protect God-given rights or we ignore them. We interpret the intent of our Founding Fathers to make speech, worship, peaceful assembly, and protection of self and private property irrevocable rights, or we don't.

There should be no confusion over our choices. Either we educate ourselves and unite over basic values and truths or we live in constant chaos and arbitrary social change dictated by individuals who would be gods.

Election results have brought us to where we are. Is it what we want for future generations?

Donna O'Keefe     

River Falls Township