Please, Let Cool Heads Prevail…

“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”

-              JK Rowling

As you know, I’ve stepped away from writing about “my story” during the past few months to express my opinions about the Presidential election. Like most people, I was warned by my parents (God rest their souls) to refrain from discussions about politics or religion at the risk of making people angry. Obviously, I ignored my parents warning, but I felt it my duty as a citizen of this country that I love to exercise my First Amendment right of Free Speech and express my views on the matter. I’ve tried to address the issues in a factual manner and be respectful of the people on the “other side of the aisle.” Yes, I may have taken a few funny cheap shots at Biden or Harris, but I intentionally did not disparage their supporters.

I always try my best to respect people who wish to express a difference of opinion, and I welcome a reasoned debate of the issues; however, I have very little tolerance for arguments based upon uncivil ad hominem attacks.

I think we all understand that if someone looked you in the eye and said “Fuck You” or called you a “Nazi” or a “Racist” or made some other ad hominem attack on your character, that the conversation would be over, and you might punch them in the mouth. If so, then why do we not think that making uncivil public attacks on a large segment of US citizens might create divisiveness and result in violent behavior. We can only control our own behavior, so maybe it’s time to take a deep breath before we let anger and fear take control of our actions.

When we engage in a disagreement, let’s all try to rise above the “name-calling and ad hominem” attacks found at the bottom of Graham’s Hierarchy of Disagreement (see below), and move toward the top of the pyramid with reasoned debate.

The election is over. It was decisive. Regardless of whether your side won or not, it is time to stop the name calling and agree to work together to make this a great country for our children and grandchildren! After all, this is the United States of America!

God Bless You!

Thank you for reading my story! Your comments, critiques, and questions are welcome, as always. Hit the Comment button below or email me at roger.beachbum@gmail.com

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