I’ve been silent, but I’ve been prodded to speak out, to write. Recently, I felt prodded reading Gordon Monson’s article on sports fans’ attitudes. It is time to ask everyone to step back, to consider the people on opposite sides from ourselves to be our best and closest friend. This appeal also includes when we consider those who think, vote and act contrary to us in life. Our nation suffers serious dysfunction.
Since none of you completely agree with me on issues, let’s discuss, talk, not threaten or malign each other. Then let’s take this to our governmental representatives on all levels. Tell them to become willing to listen to the opposition. Both sides need to ask what the other side most needs in order to work together. If one side won’t make an effort to listen and to work to afford the other side at least a partial win, then we should vote them into retirement. Once we no longer listen — really listen — we have no democracy. Democracy depends upon a variety of opinions openly and courteously discussed.
I recently watched the Ken Burns’ series, The American Revolutionary War. I had not realized that it was a civil war, frequently dividing neighbor from neighbor, family member from family member. This division became permanent, estranging former friends, neighbors, close relatives. Our situation today seems similar.
Many Republican members of the Utah Legislature seem determined that Democrats in the state do not deserve any voice in government. They are determined to divide the Democratic population into different districts so they will be minorities in all districts. Is not this, “Love it as we are, or leave. Good riddance?” All of us should act better than that.
James Farmer Cartwright, Honolulu, Hawaii
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