I have been a frequent submitter to the Public Forum. I have been particularly silent for several months based upon myriad reasons, the largest being that the last thing I think we need is another voice.
We are at a point in our democracy where for better or, some say, for worse, everyone has the right to a voice. With rights comes responsibility. I believe that is what is lacking in our civil discourse in today’s world. I do not propose to muffle, stifle or shut down anyone’s voice. Rather, I believe it time we all stop, think and listen. (With heavy stress on listen.)
I am now retired. When I worked, I always saved my important emails for one last review before sending. I would suggest that most of the noise we hear from everyone would benefit from this rule. Before you voice that opinion, stop and make sure it is worthy and beneficial to the dialogue — but, more important, not aggressively divisive. I would suggest this to the Tweeter in Chief. This man has introduced a level of civil discord unknown in the history of our republic.
It is time we all worked as a united front to better our country. Exercise this in November and select officials who are worth productive dialogue.
Kent C. Overly, Draper