Letter To The Editor, Press Democrat
Friday, February 13, 2026

To the Editor:

In a country and world that often feels divided, it’s understandable many feel angry, fearful, and exhausted. But history reminds us that responding to division with more division rarely leads us to a better place. Leaders such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mandela showed us another way—one rooted in courage, discipline, and love.

Sunflowers-Across-America.org was created to offer a simple but powerful reminder of that path forward. We use the sunflower as a symbol of turning toward the light—choosing constructive, peaceful action and support for our shared democratic values over despair or rage. Love is not weakness; it is the only force that has ever overcome hate.

It’s time to focus not only on what we oppose, but on what we stand for: Democracy, justice, human rights, education, science, personal responsibility, and inclusion deserve our active, peaceful, and visible support.

Peaceful resistance grounded in care, connection, and community is not only sustainable—it’s more effective. Sunflowers Across America invites people everywhere to plant, wear, and share sunflowers as a visible expression of hope, unity, and commitment to the democratic ideals we want to nurture together for a brighter future for all. 

Sincerely,
Jim Wilder
Director, Sunflowers Across America

View on Press Democrat website:
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/02/13/letters-to-the-editor-friday-feb-13/