A little respect: Bitter disputes solve little except to stall progress

This is a free country. You can say what you want -- no matter how stupid or ill-informed you might be.

You also have the right to say what you want about your political opponents -- and you can make statements about your public leaders, too.

That comes with being an American.

But here is what we have enough of in America -- potshots and basic disrespect.

Most of our mothers and fathers taught us about honor and respect when we were children. And that means that we know when what we are doing is wrong -- or at the very least, classless.

No political party is helped by those whose only purpose is to divert attention away from the real issues with senseless accusations -- or who are just looking to start a fight.

When partisanship becomes personal, something is wrong -- and there is too much of that these days.

We need more, not less, debate in this country. There are too many issues that hover along the line of too many different ways to turn. The line between liberal and conservative blurs -- and we have to start thinking like Americans.

The future of this nation should be in the hands of its people -- not in the sights of super-partisans who cannot, even for a moment, think that perhaps there might be an idea worth listening to on the other side.

American citizens -- and the political parties that represent them -- need to stand for decorum and reasoned debate -- no matter who is in charge.

Stand firm for what is right and lead debates about issues, but leave the name-calling at home.

There is too much at stake.

Published in Editorials on November 15, 2010 10:31 AM