RESPECT: Key to working together

Politics is often intense, perhaps never more so than it has been in the last 2 1/2 years. That intensity has not benefitted the understanding of the issues or the evaluation of candidates very much. It has helped bring about an extreme polarization and hardening of attitudes with little informed debate. That has bred a paucity of real help to us, as individuals in forming sound opinions. Negativity and blind opposition reigns.

This is where more civility in addressing opponents or their ideas by presenting counter-arguments in a thoughtful, respectful way could help us to really understand important issues, meanwhile enhancing respect for the presenter. We need to look beyond the next election to have a sound, honest, effective government.

Part of the problem, of course, is the redundant coverage by an aggressive press, some with more bias than others. Details of a statement or event are often covered repeatedly and discussed excessively. At times, real civility is lacking there. Come to think of it, life could perhaps be a little better for all of us if we were to show more respect for each other.

REED OLSON

Coeur d'Alene