O.D. Harris

Opinion

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OPINION

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The First Amendment is one of the most cherished foundations of our democracy. It ensures that every individual has the right to speak, to assemble, to worship and to petition without fear.

It allows us to express our ideas, challenge one another and work collectively toward progress. These freedoms come with responsibility.

Across the nation, we have witnessed horrific and unacceptable acts of violence this year: assassinations, shootings of elected officials and mass attacks at schools and churches.

These heinous actions shake us to our core. They’ve shown us that words and disagreements, when taken down the wrong path, can result in irreparable harm.

As a U.S. Army veteran, public servant, entrepreneur and community leader, I know firsthand that courage is not found in threats or violence. It is found in listening, in building bridges and in using our voices with respect.

Violence silences dialogue. Non-violence keeps it alive.

That is why I am grateful that the week of Sept. 21–27 was proclaimed Peace Week in Chandler, reflecting our community’s shared values of safety, compassion and unity.

It’s time to honor our differences without fear, to celebrate our shared humanity and to commit ourselves to the hard work of ensuring every resident feels welcomed and respected.

True peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is the presence of justice, opportunity and dignity for all. It is parents’ feeling safe sending their children to school.

It is houses of worship being sanctuaries of hope rather than targets for hate. It is public servants being able to serve without fear of being attacked for doing their jobs.

As we have recently observed Peace Week, I call on all residents to commit to non-violence as the only acceptable way to engage in political and public discourse. We may not always agree, but we can always choose love over hate, compassion over cruelty and dialogue over division.

For our shared love of Chandler, and for the sake of our nation’s future, let us be peacemakers in word and deed.

Together, we can ensure that our community not only rejects violence but actively cultivates a culture of unity and respect. Peace begins with each of us.

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