Republican responds: neighbors before politics

To the editor,

I read with great interest and compassion the recent letter from a neighbor, Emily Shapiro, who submitted “Is it too late to know thy neighbor?” in the Riverdale Press’s Feb. 19, 2026 edition. She writes that, as a Democrat, she is feeling overwhelmed and afraid over the political discourse, and is “horrified” by recent news. Still, she seeks understanding and unity across the divide with her neighbors in these fractious times.

I could not agree more. I embrace her sentiments completely.

Emily, you are absolutely not alone. I’m a Republican and I may not vote the same way you do, but I see the same things you do in our Riverdale community: good, decent people who love this country and care about doing the right thing. Our Constitution belongs to all of us, not to one party, and I want it protected just as much as you do.

We’re going to disagree on policies and candidates — boy, do we ever, what with Mayor Zohran Mamdani — but I will always see you first as a neighbor and a fellow American, not as an enemy. I believe that is the “conservative” way.

Democrats’ fear of the Make America Great Again, MAGA, boogeyman is incredibly overheated. Multiple national polls show that most progressives do not envision being friends or having any kind of meaningful relationship with a conservative or a President Donald Trump supporter. I would be lying if I didn’t say this is a form of insanity.

I see you are not one of those people. And that is my experience here in Riverdale. Even though I am always out-voted, I’m never out-friended.
But I understand your feelings of horror and confusion. As a Republican, I can tell you there are things done or said by “my side” that trouble me too, and I don’t think every decision or slogan with an R next to it is right or moral.

Most of us who vote Republican do not think it’s okay to shoot someone in the back, or to excuse political violence. Despite the murder of Charlie Kirk, the assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh, and two attempts on Mr. Trump, we judge the crazies for who they are, and don’t label you, my neighbor, for their crimes.

I support many Republican policies because I think they’re better for the country, but I absolutely do not believe that Democrats are monsters, and I certainly don’t believe that about you. If you ever want to talk about what each of us actually believes — beyond the TV caricatures — I’d be glad to do that, because I’d rather you see me as a neighbor with a different perspective.

Emily, I can’t promise we’ll agree on every issue, but I can promise I’m interested in being that kind of neighbor with you — someone who discusses policies if we must, but stands side by side when it comes to basic rights, human dignity, and keeping each other safe.

CHRISTOPHER HOSFORD