Letter to the Editor:

It’s natural to want heroes. We need to know they exist. And in this time of disillusionment, we desperately need heroes because things in this world seem pretty bleak. I cannot find a hero in either of the political candidates. Both of them have a problem with telling the truth. Many of Donald Trump’s statements and ideas are just plain nuts, and Hillary Clinton has strong ties to Wall Street. Like most Americans, I am not enamored with either candidate.

So what do we do with the hero situation? Well, it is comforting to know that they exist. It is mighty hard to find one among the many bought and paid for Washington politicians. Instead, we could look elsewhere.

I saw heroes not too long ago. I came home to find a police car in my drive and an ambulance in front of my house. I saw a child’s bicycle and a group of people who were gathered around the child. These folks were our police, our ambulance folks, and our firemen. There was a little boy who had a really bad accident on his bike. I felt so sorry for the child, but at the same time, I knew – I just simply knew – that he was in good hands. These folks knew what they were doing, and they did it well. We do have heroes.

I have a dear friend who is fighting cancer. The chemotherapy has made her constantly nauseous. The radiation has burned up her salivary glands, and her throat is so swollen she cannot swallow and uses a feeding tube. She is fighting 24/7 because she has a daughter she loves and a grandchild she wants to see graduate and get married. In spite of her suffering, she does not complain. She is a hero.

Look at the people you know who are caregivers for loved ones, the soldiers who have fought in the never-ending war, the people who rally around those who need help – farmers who bring in crops, friends and family who hold benefits and so many more . Heroes are all around us. The world is not as bleak as it seems.

So while I am disillusioned by our presidential candidates, I find a lot to be thankful for and proud of in the people around me. I will look here to find my

heroes. And as for the election, I will vote for the candidate that scares me the least.

Anne Michael

Tama