Before reading this letter, please understand, I have the utmost respect for former Republican Sen. John McCain.

While watching the national news coverage Dec.4, of former president, George H.W. Bush’s funeral, I was very impressed by the former president’s family welcoming Bill and Hillary Clinton as well as Barack and Michelle Obama, and including Donald and Melania Trump, with open arms.

Understandably, Megan McCain was clearly upset at the death of her father, and of course everyone remembers the discord between Senator McCain and President Trump. I do feel, though, that Ms. McCain could have presented herself with a little more dignity.

I can understand Ms. McCain being upset at the death of her father because in 2010, my mother lost her husband and my brother, and I lost our beloved father. Although, I myself have many questions and concerns as to his illness and subsequent death, 67 days later, our parents instilled in my brother and me not to dwell on anger or negativity, which has been extremely difficult.

Listening though, to each person’s eulogy, and listening to former president George W. Bush’s eulogy to his father, I realized when he explained that his father taught him to listen and learn, to never live being angry or hateful, or have ill feelings toward other people. And that to be angry or hateful only tarnishes the vessel that harbors it and eventually destroys that person.

He reminded his children that is not who we are, which reminds me that this is how we were raised, to never judge anyone without knowing the facts or the truth.

And I guess that’s why I was upset at the way the former presidents and their wives greeted President Trump and Melania Trump. The Bush family treated everyone with the utmost respect. The former presidents made contact with Donald and Melania Trump, but when it came to Hillary, it was just sad.

With everyone knowing the many mistakes made by the past presidents and their wives, Hillary reacted the most immaturely. With everything she did wrong–Benghazi and emails–how dare she behave the way she did?

My prayer to the democrats, please don’t let hatred or ill-will or resentment cloud good judgment. We are all in this together. Please, let’s work together for the good of our country, not it’s destruction.

Katherine Archer Slaybaugh Shipe

Old Lycoming