By Timothy T. Tater, Editor and Chief Spud

The Sweet Potato

Typically, The Sweet Potato is here for fun and amusement.  Sometimes however, we have to dig deep and hope to help.  Today, this is on this Chip’s mind.

Taylor Swift might have said it best: “Why Ya Gotta Be So Mean?” As a lifelong resident of this county, I’ve always tried to get along with everyone. That doesn’t mean agreeing on everything, but it does mean being genuinely friendly.

Yes, I believe in the Good Lord as my Savior, and yes, I’ve fallen short of His glory. I haven’t always practiced what I’ve preached. But before you bash every Christian, Muslim, Jew, Hindu, or person of any faith because you saw them sin, remember—we’re all human. We all make mistakes.

I used to be puzzled by those “Be Nice” signs and shirts. They almost offended me because I never thought about being mean just to be mean. Sure, I’ve been mean before, but it was short-lived and usually over something that hurt me or my family.

Lately, that “Be Nice” message troubles me again. There are people I know in this very Mayberry I grew up in who would shame me, curse me, or disown me for my beliefs. I never thought that in Western Kentucky I’d be judged for my religion, my politics, or my belief that MTV damaged our country as much as any divisive politician.

This may sound predictable, but keep reading. This isn’t about judging you for your looks, beliefs, or anything else about who you are. You are who you are—and I am who I am, too.

While I have strong feelings about current issues, I’m not bringing them up with you. I certainly won’t make a fuss about them on Facebook. I’d bet everything I own that angry posts about issues don’t change a single mind. It doesn’t work that way.

I’m writing this to get something off my chest. And yes, what I just wrote contradicts what I said I wouldn’t do—because I can’t change your mind either. But if you’d like to try changing the tone, I’ll cheer you on.

If we could all just be nice to one another—even those we disagree with—what a different world we’d live in.

I’m not sure John Lennon had it completely right with “Imagine,” but he was on the right track. I want Heaven and know I’ll be there someday, but I could also “imagine all the people living life in peace.”

Let’s live for our children and grandchildren. Instead of fighting and backbiting, let’s all just “Be Nice.”