Difference of opinions is what makes America great. Freedom of speech, I believe, is greater than freedom of the press. Taking away our difference of opinions would be taking away our freedom of speech.

The biggest percentage of today’s press writes mostly biased columns about our president and his accomplishments. I am proud that our local paper keeps our opinions on the opinion page, and not in its reporting.

I disagree with editor Ryan Winslett’s recent opinion about how he thinks our town is changing and becoming a community divided. Were we divided the four times we voted no on the property tax? Does a 66 percent vote against it sound divided? How about an overwhelming majority against the Crystal Lagoon?

Just look at some of the things our community has done lately; a community garden, Adero Canyon Trailhead, a better location for Fire Station #2, an $8 million bond for new paving, our recycling program, scores of community volunteers, new additional restrooms at Fountain Park paid by our Sanitary District, a complete redo of the Avenue of the Fountains. Look at the monthly calendar with all the activities and free programs. Every week in our local paper, a list of stories about what’s being offered from our services clubs, places of worship, community center, and our schools programs for our children. Does this sound like a divided community?

What Ryan calls quarreling and blame, I call it difference of opinions. Most of us still believe we live in the best town in Arizona.

You can count your best friends on one hand and have fingers left over. I have three. They are a Democrat, a Republican and an Independent. Just like my neighbors. Ryan, here is my quote: “Do not go gentle into that good night.” – poet Dylan Thomas.