I have a lot to say about the upcoming elections here in Gettysburg that I had intended to wait to write about. But after dropping my boyfriend off at work this morning as I was thinking about it, suddenly, I became very emotional. Even writing this article I am in tears. The political war is real and it is getting more intense by the day. Gone are the days it didn’t matter if one was a Democrat, Republican or Independent. We were accepting, respectful and understood one’s free will to choose. But because President Trump has not immediately fixed four years of the O’Biden’s Administrations screw ups, even some Republicans are changing sides and going against him. Trump has been in office now just over three months and yet, people are rioting because they feel he isn’t doing enough. They are angry at Elon Musk because he has been able to find billions of dollars in wasteful spending and put a stop to it. He and Trump are directly responsible for rescuing those two astronauts that were stranded in space. But I guess because it was those two who did it and not the O’Biden Administration, they overlook it. They are rioting against funding that has been put on hold due to colleges allowing men in women’s sports and for allowing antisemitism. So, it is okay for men to legally beat up women or to win races because men are normally faster and stronger than women? It is okay then for Jews to be bullied? Oh Hell No! It Is Not!!! But their actions say that it is okay!

The LGBTQ communities who are “Pro-Palestine,” do not have a clue as to what they are protesting. If they went to Gaza, they would be thrown off buildings and murdered. Reporters ask the protesters why and what they are protesting, and cannot give an answer. So, how many are literally paid to be there? The protesters here in Gettysburg have signs of “Nazi,” “Racists,” “King Con,” “F Trump Project 2025” and so on. I would like to know how these types of signs are, “Family Friendly,” and “Show a Positive Message.” Because family friendly and showing a positive message are what they are supposed to be. But clearly they are not. Clearly the current Mayor is not doing her job. She is supposed to make sure that the town is free of this type of garbage. In an interview, she even stated that businesses are hurting due to the protests, but offered them no sign of relief. In one picture, Chad Allen – Carr, who is also running for Mayor, was smiling with the protestors. Why? It is because the Mayor and the Borough Council gave them the permits. I am all for peaceful protests as it is an American right. I am not for allowing peaceful protests, to be turned into a political use of the First Amendment that causes the town to be disrupted, businesses to be hurt, and tourists to turn around and leave because of it. The Mayor has a responsibility to keep peace within the town, and to make sure it is safe. But because no one is enforcing the family friendly and showing a positive message thing, the disruption and hate continues. The lack of education is appalling. President Trump has nothing to do with Project 2025. In fact, he has said that numerous times and yet, “F Trump Project 2025” is a sign one protestor was carrying. Comparing Trump to Hitler is seriously demonic. It was President Trump during his first term that recognized Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel. He also opened the American Embassy there. But let’s talk about the word, “Dictator.” It is defined as, “a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force.” I do believe Trump became President because he won all of the seven swing states and literally crushed Kamala Harris at the polls. So, how did he win by force? Also, he does not have “total power” over America because there are three branches of government. There is also the Supreme Court which is part of the “Judicial” branch. He, along with the House and Senate, because those two hold a Republican majority have more power combined, to get things done.

So, it isn’t just Trump ruling America. To imply he is a “Nazi” and a “Dictator,” is simply a demonized use of propaganda to create hostility and it leads to political warfare!

Which is precisely why the Mayor of Gettysburg should put a stop to it. But she won’t and this cycle of hate will continue until she is voted out! If Chad is voted in, it will still continue and the town will continue to list like a sinking ship.

I believe there is still time to save Gettysburg. I do not think it can survive much more of what we have been forced to deal with. Like I said, I am all for a peaceful protest. I am all for the First Amendment. I wouldn’t ask or vote to remove Pride Week. I would not allow indecent exposure during that festivity or any festivity. People do not need to see someone’s bare ass, when they are just wanting to enjoy a night out on the town with their family enjoying dinner. Children, especially, do not need to be subjected to that. But did the Mayor do anything about it? NOPE! Being a Mayor is more than just waving in a parade. I would take the job very seriously!!!

I would do my best to serve the community in such a way that the community would know first and foremost that I care, and second that I have heard them. I am getting a lot of messages already about concerns. I am keeping a list and have already started checking into those concerns. Chad stated he didn’t want to “overburden residents.” But yet, what about the elderly who live in this town who cannot afford parking because they live on a fixed income? What about those who are handicapped, who have trouble getting from point a to point b, because the handicap parking meters are too far from where they want to go? Can the Borough Council that he is a member of, not do something about the parking? There are only 14 handicap parking meters and 310 regular ones. This statistic is extremely, in my opinion, discriminatory. Can the Borough Council not do something about the parking fees on Sunday, to where there are no fees?

I am the first to admit that I have a lot to learn. But what I do have that no amount of study or on the job training could give me, is a heart to serve. I didn’t want to run for Mayor of Gettysburg because I am struggling with three chronic illnesses. You may see me walking around town with a portable CPAP just to help me breathe.

But dammit, I could not just sit idly by and watch this town implode – “collapse or cause to collapse violently inwards.” I am Christian Republican. Immediately, by some, I am automatically against the LGBTQ community, a White Supremacist, and a racist. But those people know nothing about me. If this were true, I wouldn’t have recently helped to pay (partially) a Gay man’s rent, so he wouldn’t be homeless. If he wants to be Gay that is his business. I saw him as a human being in dire need and I felt compassion. So, before you judge me, get to know me!

I honestly care about the history of Gettysburg and I will do my best to make the reenactors feel welcome in this town, once again. The reenactors bring the history here to life and they have been greatly missed!

I think Mayor Freeling, to be elected the first Black woman to become Mayor of Gettysburg, was absolutely amazing. Truly, I felt a sense of pride! She earned it and she deserved it. But she also stated that she wanted to be reelected to keep her relationship with the Gettysburg Police Department. But that isn’t a reason. One should want to maintain their working relationship as a public servant to the community. Will I win and be elected the next Mayor of Gettysburg? I do not know. Are the odds against me? Of course, they are! But that isn’t a reason to quit trying! I think if the wall of hate isn’t demolished, Gettysburg will soon be lost. I will end this article with quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

 “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Juliana Love

Republican Write In For Mayor of Gettysburg

References: www.dictionary.com; Google Martin Luther King Jr. quotes