Recently, while I was volunteering with a colleague at the Wayne County Democratic Party office in Honesdale, things got pretty interesting. It was quiet when a large, older and friendly man hurriedly entered and dropped $20 on the table for a Fetterman lawn sign. My co-worker said that was a lot of money for one sign. “Take more signs or let us give you change.”

The man ignored that suggestion and said, “Don’t you know who I am?” He gave us his name (name withheld) and explained that he was a lifelong Republican in local leadership and then shook his head and said that they (the GOP) had gone “too far.” Of course, we agreed. 

He schmoozed with us a bit, and then mentioned that conservative values were one thing, but for him, making excuses for criminality was just too far a stretch. Again, we agreed. He went on and said that among his associates, the health care issue was taboo, and suggestions for change got you labeled as a “socialist.”

I told him about my younger daughter, who was married and living in Spain and enjoyed a free national healthcare program that, granted, sometimes requires some tweaking (i.e., voluntary supplemental plans), but was always there for every citizen. He mentioned Canadian national healthcare, again mostly in a positive light; and especially with regard to drug pricing.

Finally, we offered that once upon a time there were plenty of rich ideas to be found in what used to be trumpeted as conservative values, and wondered where hard work, patriotism, honesty, frugality and the like had gone. In recent years, it seems like antagonism, culture war fuming and winning at all costs have become the replacement mantra for what used to be policy and coherent ideas. 

One might compromise with conflicting ideas, but that becomes problematic when anger is all that is offered by the other side. Notably, officially now there exists no national GOP policy or platform. Rather the replacement offered is rage, conspiracy theories and staunch opposition to any liberal or progressive idea. How does one entertain, let alone compromise with “F*** Biden!”? 

Now this story may sound a bit rare, or perhaps too perfect for you to believe—i.e., the recanting-Republican-who-has-come-to-his-political-senses story, but I assure you, the $20 did help with this month’s office rent. Also, however long the shot, it gave me a glimmer of hope for reconciliation.

John Pace lives in Honesdale, PA.