By Douglas John Imbrogno | october21.2024 | I was so struck by the words featured in the video above, which my friend Mark Swiger posted recently to Facebook, that I asked if he might read them for my 'NotesBeforeYouVote.com' election series. He deferred to me reading them. And, so, that is the genesis of today’s post — EPISODE 8 in this ongoing series of short videos aimed at voters who may still be on the fence or thinking of sitting out what is likely the most consequential election in America’s history. View the video and pass it on to any friends, family, acquaintances and others for whom its heartfelt, yet straight-talking message may resonate. You can also read this powerful, and pointed commentary in text form below)
I asked Mark to provide a snapshot of his life, career, and interests, so here’s a little background about the man:
"Mark, a native of Elkins, is a career educator with decades of service to West Virginia’s schools, its children, and its communities. He has worked in the West Virginia educational community as a teacher and coach for 33 years in Marshall County; at West Virginia University as a program director for literacy and food security programming for children around the state and as a sustainability program director where he presently works; and at West Liberty and Bethany College as an adjunct instructor. He has served in various statewide boards and committees that protect and promote community education and children’s well-being. He was also a cross country and track-and-field coach at the high schools where he taught and at Wheeling University for many years. All told, he is in his 42nd year in education and continues to promote humanity in all that he does, particularly in his work with communities and children. He is married, and living in the northern panhandle of the Mountain State, where his wife, his adult children now on their own, and their significant others (and grandchildren) share a passion for people, animals, and the environment."
ORIGINAL TEXT POSTED TO FACEBOOK (along with some pithy memes)
By MARK SWIGER
I often used to tell my students, “The good thing about 7th graders is that they eventually become 8th graders, then 9th graders, and so on. As they grow, they mature—moving beyond name-calling, selfishness, and the need to fit in by putting others down. Growing up is about becoming more human, more empathetic, learning to respect others and their differences.” I shared this message with student-athletes and young adults, teaching them that bullying based on looks, status, gender, or identity is a behavior we should leave behind in adolescence.
Unfortunately, today, one person has normalized these very behaviors on a national scale. What was once considered immature—name-calling, bullying, even promoting violence—has become disturbingly common. Many adults now model this behavior, thinking it's acceptable because it comes from the top. It’s heartbreaking to witness such a regression in how we treat one another. Many adults who have been gaslit into believing leaders should lead that way, also commit these atrocities. One comment for my friends and relatives; your children are watching. I know you. You would never accept these behaviors from your children but you are condoning that which you would punish your own children if they said or did those things. Please reflect.
I remember when racist and sexist comments were often whispered, and discouraged by societal norms, but now they’re openly embraced, even weaponized. And what's even more troubling is that people who follow this path may not realize that their friends and family—the ones they love and care about—could be the targets of this hatred.
We are divided, not because of our differences, but because many have chosen politics over love—over the bonds of friendship and family. I urge you to pause and reflect on that. Is supporting hateful rhetoric worth losing the relationships that have always been there? Let’s remember that our love for one another should come before politics.
PS: VIEW PREVIOUS EPISODES AT THIS LINK
'WHEN POLITICS 'TRUMPS' LOVE'