To the editor:

If we believe “we are better than this,” there is something we can do.

The recent celebration of life for John McCain was a call to action for anyone watching.

The United States is a powerful nation. Yet it has attained a special place in the eyes of the world not because of its power but because of its promise. We have stood for more than material and military success; we have stood for liberty and justice, as well — liberty and justice “for all.” And because of that, we have earned a reputation for caring. The United States is not unlike a family in this regard.

Neither North Korea nor Russia nor China nor anyone else can defeat us. But division can. The relentless exaltation of “us” over “the other” will kill any family, and it will surely kill the United States.

If we are concerned about that, if we want “to get into the arena and fight for this country,” there is a way to do that this fall. In November, vote against divisiveness. If the Democrat condones harassment and hate, vote for the Republican. If the Republican tolerates bigotry and bullying, vote for the Democrat. But vote!

Bill Sampson,

Lawrence