OPINION: Constitution Day reminds us how to disagree without destroying each other

On a muggy September day, dozens of people on very different sides of the political aisle crowded into a room and finally agreed on something.

Two hundred and thirty eight years ago last week, the American Constitution was signed. There was zero chance every one of those signers would agree on everything. But the founders of our nation also recognized that without compromise and conversation there would be no country at all.

Americans have disagreed from the beginning: patriots vs. loyalists, big states vs. small states, slavery vs freedom. Prior to our constitution being signed, threats of violent revolt, protest, and even property destruction bubbled up in multiple states. The election of 1800 was riddled with sickening personal attacks. 

And yet, our Constitution and its amendments were ratified, and the American experiment continued on. 

Today feels different. 

Rancor and sometimes outright hate have become so pervasive that we can’t even sit in the same room with each other. Nothing is acceptable but total and complete annihilation of the other side for generations to come. This end to tolerance strikes at the heart of what has made America great. 

I feel strongly that on the issue of political violence, we need to stand firmly together and issue a bipartisan condemnation. I would love to discuss policy with those who hold differing opinions. In the lead up to elections it is vital that we can talk seriously about land use, city planning, and funding for public infrastructure like public transportation, roads, and bridges. These issues shape our daily lives and the future of our communities.

Of course we will disagree on many things. Those conversations might get spirited. Spirited debate is healthy. It is democracy in action.

The problem is that here in Kootenai County we are not even agreeing on the basic rules of engagement.

For example, when you find someone who disagrees with you about a certain topic, it is not OK to doxx their personal home address and information. Unfortunately, we are seeing this happen increasingly to local left-leaning people.

When a company puts a Charlie Kirk sticker on its frozen yogurt, it is not OK to become so violent toward the owners that the police need to be called. The appropriate thing to do for those who disagree would simply be to not purchase the frozen yogurt.

You don’t demonize and dehumanize the person you disagree with.

The more I see, the more these are becoming predominant characteristics of political engagement in North Idaho. It’s not OK. 

The experiences that created this nation hold important lessons for us here in Kootenai County. Constitution Day reminds us of what is possible when we choose dialogue over destruction.

The delegates at the Constitutional Convention were not intolerant enemies. They were neighbors, colleagues, and fellow veterans. They had deep disagreements but they shared a single goal: to form a more perfect union.

The Constitution was not created by people who thought alike. It was created by people willing to argue and negotiate until they found a path forward.

That is the lesson we need to reclaim. There is zero chance that Democrats and Republicans will agree on everything. But one truth still holds. Without compromise, there is no country at all.

On Constitution Day let us honor not just the document itself but the spirit that gave it life. The courage to argue without destroying each other. The wisdom to see that our shared future is bigger than any single dispute.

That spirit made America possible, and it can create a more perfect union in Kootenai County. 

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Sarah Martin is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.