July 13, 2026 Editor, The News-Gazette: I don’t ask my neighbor if he is a Republican or a Democrat when he needs my help. Neighbor helping neighbor is what makes this country strong and what living in Rockbridge County is all about. I was proud of our local citizens at our recent Rockbridge County Fair in downtown Lexington. There was a booth promoting Republicans and a booth promoting Democrats. No shouting or anger, just peaceful citizens exercising their free speech rights under our constitution.
We are better than the hate and division we see in political ads. We are all citizens of this great nation who have more in common than some of our politicians want us to believe. We attend our churches with love and grace and to help those who are less fortunate than us. This country is great because of our generosity of spirit and how we help others in time of need with no thought of payment or thanks. Let us remember who we are in our generous hearts as American citizens, and remember the sacrifices our Founding Fathers, parents and grandparents have made to preserve our rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. JOSEPH MARTINEZ Rockbridge County
