PRO-LIFE: Respectfully disagree

Jim Hollingsworth seems to be a regular writer of letters to the editor. I agree with most points he makes in his latest: DEMS: Can’t win if they’re not pro-life. However, I take strong exception to the statement in his last paragraph: “No one in his right mind would ever vote for someone who is not pro-life.”

I am registered as a Republican, but tend to vote more for the candidate than the party. I am pro-choice, and am in my right mind!

We seem to have come to a point where we use name-calling and cast aspersions on anyone who is not in agreement with our views, be they political, religious or social. As long as this is our mind-set, we can only decline in the strength of our country.

We must be able to disagree without being disagreeable. Everyone has a right to their opinion, whether we agree with them, or not. In many instances (i.e. the NFL players), we strongly disagree with not only the opinion, but the methods used to express those opinions. But there is still nothing to be gained by using name-calling, profanity, and/or casting aspersions on the intelligence and character of those with whom we disagree.

When will we return to the point where we can discuss our differences in a gentlemanly, civilized manner? Until we do, I am afraid that we are only going to continue on the current downhill slide.

LARRY TANZER

Spirit Lake