I am shocked and in awe of the lies and hatred being spread about a kind woman who has dedicated her personal time to supporting our school district and the future of every child in the D38 area.
I understand how fearful these lies feel. The tactics the people spreading this fear are using a type of speech called manipulative speech. Manipulative speech often creates a strong emotional reaction — guilt, fear, shame, or obligation — instead of giving you space to think clearly. Manipulators often frame choices as black and white to steer your decision. Manipulative speech leans heavily on emotional debts or moral pressure. If you question the manipulator, they deflect, blame others, or change the subject.
Pay attention to how these folks are reacting to questions about what they are spreading. The difference between persuasive and manipulative speech is easily detected. Persuasive speech is based on facts and logic, respects the listener’s autonomy, seeks a mutual benefit, and is transparent. Manipulative speech is based on distortion or deceit, undermines the listener’s autonomy, seeks personal or one-sided gain, and conceals the speaker’s true intent.
Remember, it is easier to dupe someone than it is to convince them they have been duped. This is not the kind of future I wish for our community or our county. Please do not believe the fear-mongering that has been going around about Jackie Burhans; she is the best-qualified candidate and the most dedicated to making sure public education is representative for all students. Vote for Jackie before Nov. 4!
Heather Jacobson
Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. See the Letter Guidelines. The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.
Other Letters to Our Community articles
- Letters to Our Community – Jackie Burhans for D38 School Board (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Vote for Ginger Schaaf (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Support Jackie Burhans (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Endorsement for Ginger Schaaf—D38 School Board (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Ginger Schaaf endorsement (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Support Burhans for D38 School Board (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Schaaf for family values (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Vote for Ginger Schaaf (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – Endorsement of Jackie Burhans (10/30/2025)
- Letters to Our Community – D38 safety—a senior and grandfather’s perspective (10/30/2025)
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