Just a brief comment about an important issue. Political campaigns have always involved a bit of mud-slinging. It has been part of the process when opposing views clash. But the current political atmosphere is not simply the longstanding type of sniping at the opposition. That is part of the process when opposing views clash. The difference now is that it is more than disagreeing on issues and solutions to those issues. Something much more dangerous and possibly frightening.
More and more, advocates on both sides of the political spectrum, do not simply disagree on how to approach problems or how to handle situations. More and more, persons on each side of an issue, whether they are elected officials or persons making up the electorate, characterize the opposition as evil.
President Trump and his supporters are an example. His opponents will take any action which they think will destroy his influence and eliminate his support. His supporters are probably the most devoted followers of any politician. Trump-Pence signs can be seen in many areas of the country up to the present date. Candidates for office in many states include “Endorsed by Trump” on their campaign signs. In my lifetime I’ve seen about 35 presidential and midterm elections. The losers in these elections usually disappear from public view, or occasionally run again. I never remember anything like the phenomenon which has followed the 2020 presidential election.
Those who oppose Trump’s views often think he should be in jail. Unlike the losing candidates in most elections, the supporters and detractors move on to other things.
Perhaps the situation derives in part from one of President Trump’s campaign promises. He promised to “drain the swamp.” Many persons believe that Washington, D.C. is accurately described as a swamp. (Actually, the District of Columbia was made up of land donated by Maryland and Virginia and was mostly swamp land.) My belief is that Donald Trump stuck a cord with those persons most disenchanted with politics and politicians. And perhaps those politicians best described as swamp dwellers make up a part of those who would like to see him in jail. And if they were to be successful the reaction could be violent.
This very negative situation is more than just a clash of ideologies, it is divisive beyond any that this country has experienced since 1861. Whether it has been prodded by talk radio, a disenchanted electorate, world affairs or ambitious politicians, it is a dangerous situation and it is important to reverse it.
I don’t have an answer, but one step would be for each citizen to tone down the rhetoric and approach issues with an open mind and approach those with whom we may disagree with a reasoned position and to listen to that person and respond reasonably. It seems that more often people take their opinion from their favorite politician rather than studying the issue and making up their own minds. This will not solve all problems, but it will be a step we can all take.
This may not do much to resolve the situation entirely, but I think it’s worth a try. I’m going to try it.
Thoughts From The Road 