This morning I received an e-mail from a prominent business owner in which the individual stated the following: “To the sender of this e-mail: If Monica Gates was not the designated speaker at the Mixer, I would have been there. This is the first morning mixer I have missed – on purpose! Signed …………………….”

I responded later in the day with the following: “Dear ……………………., It saddens me to think that someone would withdraw themselves from social integration because of a vast difference of political opinion. We are supposed to be a nation of diversity, both in views and objectives. I try to keep people posted through e-mail to events that could broaden their horizons both as individuals and as businesses. I do not know what Monica Gates has done to offend you, but I do know that it is not healthy to harbor hostility for long periods of time. I hope that you have a great day and that the sun will come out and give warmth to your heart.” Signed myself …………

The individual responded, “Remove my address from your e-mail list. Do not send any further solicitation to this address.” Signed ………

I do not have a political favorite, but I can see room for improvement on both sides of the issues. I am sure that there could be improvements in the political environment; likewise there certainly could be an improvement in how we as individuals and business owners treat each other and the people we try to serve.
Arthur Jones Kingman