Dear Editor,
We live in a beautiful rural area, as many of our fellow Americans do across this country.
For too long, rural America has been ignored by the press and politicians alike. On election night, for example, news anchors may briefly discuss western Pennsylvania but then say something like, “Those votes are too few to matter; let’s look at Philadelphia.”
Similar scenes play out for each state.
Rural areas matter too! Stop ignoring us because cities outpopulate us. And don’t assume that we are going all red or all blue. We are smart people, and we will let you know our votes on election day.
Enter Kamala Harris and her VP pick Governor Tim Walz! With each rally, he shines a light on small towns across America. He understands that areas like ours are just as vital as the cities, that the people work just as hard, and that we too want a brighter future for ourselves and our children.
Tim Walz visits fairs and car museums not for a political show. It is obvious that feeding
cows and eating fair foods are a normal part of life for him. In fact, in a recent video he was
working on his 1979 International Harvester Scout — for real! Nothing screams “small town” more than a man in his t-shirt and camo hat working on his car on a sunny day.
Thanks to Kamala Harris and Governor Walz, we are getting more press than ever before. And it is about time! With that press, respect will follow.
We grow the nation’s food, we innovate in manufacturing, we are not all racists, and while some of us go to work straight out of high school, others choose to go to college.
Even without a degree, people in small towns make white collar money! There are millionaires here, and there are people struggling here just as in our cities, so please stop stereotyping us.
One thing we all have in common is that we work hard. It’s the American way. It is true that we tend to know or are at least familiar with the people living in our communities.
And, hold on, we are polite to one another! I know — CRAZY! Perfect small-town living!
Good people working hard and building lives here. Further evidence that Tim Walz lives, breathes, and appreciates rural life: he chooses to enter each and every rally to John Mellencamp’s song, “Small Town.”
Vice presidents take on several vital responsibilities, one of them being advisor to the president.
I believe Tim Walz will keep the president’s eye on small-town life. I believe he will always fight for us, and that is why I am so excited to see Governor Walz in this position.
We have found our voice, and he is shining the light! As John Mellencamp sings, “…I was born in a small town. And I can breathe in a small town!” Absolutely!
Nanette L. DuMont
Mount Vernon, Ohio