Editor, Gazette-Journal:

As a resident of Mathews County, I know I am not alone in wondering: how did we get here? How can we resolve these deep rifts and heal our divides?

We have all heard that when angry count to ten. When very angry count to 100.

I propose that there be a pause; a timeout for emotions to cool and heads to think. A pause—not for a count to 100 but for at least 100 days. That would take us into the new year.

This time could be used for dialogue. A time for the supervisors in their roles as elected leaders to promote community and reconciliation.

There is no need to rush to a decision about the status of the land under the Sailors and Soldiers Monument. Let’s take a breath.

Peggy Wilson NewsomeCobbs Creek, Va.
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