To the editor:

I’m grieved…

I’m grieved as I witness people whom I love… bicker, de-friend and spew unlovely words at each other.

I’m grieved by the lack of trust people have toward each other and by how little nuance there is in our discourse.

Left-Right, Red-Blue, Conservative-Liberal, Capitalist-Socialist… etc.

Sides are picked. Lines are drawn. Labels are applied.

I suspect that for the most part that people on both sides have a desire to make our world better.

One side thinks that the best course of action involves more governmental participation, more centralized solutions, stronger regulation, etc.

The other side thinks that the best course of action involves less governmental involvement, more individual freedom, less regulation, etc.

Frankly, in a world of sinless angels, either way would work.

The problem is that this isn’t a world of sinless angels. It’s a world of self-centered, selfish, envious, greedy, depraved sinners in which any solution for societal improvement is fraught with problems.

At one time, there was a more civilized disagreement between opposing sides. It was better understood that philosophies of government, economic policy, etc., while different, were aimed at improving our world. “I trust that what you’re wanting to do is for the greater good, I just happen to disagree with how you want to accomplish it.” Today, that trust is gone.

I suspect both sides really do want clean air and water, fair and magnanimous treatment of immigrants who are here and of those wanting to come, a livable income for all people, peace with nations, education and safety of our children, defense of our nation, racial equality, economic growth, affordable health care, fair application of justice, elimination of poverty, increased opportunity and prosperity for all etc.

Now, however, we have devolved into shameless name calling, demonizing of leaders, demonizing of parties, biased reporting, agenda driven narratives, and self-righteous appropriation of “biblical” texts, etc.

I’m grieved… Lord, have mercy.

I’m grieved… Lord, may I hear better, speak less, understand more, communicate clearly and put the best construction on the opinion of my neighbor.

Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. Lord, have mercy on my neighbor, a sinner, too.

Patrick Thurmer

Cape Coral