Problem with this country
To the editor:
I want you to consider the current state of political discourse in our country. Like many, you must find yourself navigating the complexities of friendships and discussions in a country divided by opinions about our political landscape, particularly in relation to the Love Trump/Hate Trump relationship.
It is disturbing by two tendencies that seem to pervade both sides of our national conversation. The viciousness, especially the progressive, with which people attack those with opposing viewpoints is alarming and sad. It fosters an environment where respectful dialogue is overshadowed by hostility. The second is the consistent exaggeration and misrepresentation of facts — alongside a twisting of historical narratives — only seems to serve to justify positions while vilifying the other side. As past New York State Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan poignantly stated years ago, “You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.” This rings true now more than ever in today society. The “us-versus-them” mentality predates Trump, yet it has reached unprecedented heights recently. This escalation poses a significant threat to our future as a country. If we cannot return to a place of civil discourse and mutual respect, we face troubling times ahead.
Hopefully we can find common ground and rekindle the ability to engage in meaningful conversations that respect differing opinions while sticking to the truth, working together and making this country greater than ever.
Lou Walker
Cape Coral