Literacy Giants...or just too biased?

Living in this country is such a privilege, one we cannot appreciate, for we have always been blessed in such a way.

With that said...

Throughout my 26-year career in education in the literacy field, I have come to admire and respect and somewhat faithfully follow some of whom I refer to as the Literacy Giants.  I purchase their books, read their blogs, "follow" and "friend" them on social media, and attend conferences just to hear them speak...and maybe even obtain their autographs!

Until.

This election.

Where sides seem to be enemies.  Where one is a deplorable if not on the right side.

I will not apologize for who I am...an educated, white woman who lives in the South who does not go barefoot and have only once been pregnant in my 50 years.

I have read their posts, nearly all political, all alienating approximately 50% of their readers.

I read...and read.

Then, I began to mute and hide their posts, for I do not read their tirades to change my political views.  I read to grow professionally. Of this, I so wish these Giants would remain cognizant.  My not purchasing their books will not break their bank accounts, and, honestly, should one ever happen on this post, certainly, the response would be a further attempt to belittle me.

I so hope I am wrong, for I want the Literacy Giants to continue making money off of 100% of their readers, followers, purchasers of paper products (and digital ones, also...just enjoyed that alliteration!).

Part of the privilege of living in this country remains having diverse opinions.  Goodness, people, we haven't agreed since the founding of this nation.  Before that even.  When this opportunity no longer exists, what will we have?  Not America.

I love America.  She is I.  I am She.

Disagree with me.  Accept me.  Work with me.  Teach me.

Do not shut me down.  Do not shut me out.

Please remain the Giants you are to me. Help me to continue to grow professionally.

Thank you.