(Publisher’s Note: This particular Open Letter is re-published occasionally, including during election seasons here in the Upper Ohio Valley.)

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Please …

Take time to understand, learn something new, don’t litter, hug your kids, eat your vegetables, fly The Flag, check on your folks, sing your song, support free speech, celebrate someone’s success, follow the rules, make a wish, don’t raise a bully, try something new, tell a joke, flip your hair with confidence, don’t ignore need, mentor the young, check on your folks, be the good guy, wait for a break in the action, ask questions, look both ways, and use your turn signals.

Please …

Know your rights, wear a helmet, stop dropping public F-bombs, cheer for children, don’t put our lives in danger, stick up for yourself, talk it out, read the directions, laugh out loud, refuse racism, assist lost strangers, wash your hands, tell a joke, feel the rain, help traditions continue, respect law enforcement, fight to live, wave back, go to the beach, clean your guns, quit smoking, hug your family and friends, be proud of yourself, don’t ever litter, have compassion, report crime, respect your elders, and for crying out loud, zipper merge.

Please …

Be proud of yourself, pray to your God, defend your rights, don’t drive distracted, compliment others, mentor the young, congratulate others, work hard, insist on inclusion, try something new, stop hurting others, make a wish, be an educated voter, hold government accountable, say please, live in reality, cover your sneeze, don’t send acronym texts, clean your child’s mess in restaurants, support local business, support free speech, dance your dance, and play more cowbell.

And please share and dream and play and listen and love and care and apologize and forgive. And please, be kind, too.

Sincerely,

Your Friends