Chris Smith Attacks Good Manners

Representative Smith and his office published letters referencing decades-old events regarding Stephanie Schmid. Schmid, the democratic nominee to challenge Smith this November, interned for the congressman as a teenager. They cited a thank-you letter written by 16-year-old Schmid as proof that she’s been lying about her democratic ideals.

How is writing a thank-you note after an internship proof that Schmid agreed with Smith’s positions? The chance to be a part of something important like working for a congressman would undoubtedly lead to a glowing thank you. It’s good practice to thank people who give you the opportunity to learn from them - politeness is not the same as agreement, which I’m sure anyone with an employer can attest to.

Even if as a child Schmid found commonalities with Smith, life changes you. Her record of defending human rights speaks for itself and shows where her loyalties lie. Adjusting your beliefs because of your experience isn’t dishonesty. It’s an ability to evolve - a trait that Smith could benefit from.

I’m unsure how unearthing a decades old thank-you note helps the representative - besides showing that he may fear competing against Schmid. The note shows that Schmid was respectful and may have grown in her views. Why did Smith and his office take the time to share this? There are a few things currently going on that he could work on. Instead, he is using the words of a 16 year-old to discredit his opponent and now he appears, in a word, childish.