Political dialogue is essential to a healthy democracy and always will be so. Add to it a respectful dialogue is meaningful. We can disagree without being disagreeable and still maintain our opinions. Freedom of speech and First Amendment rights are a hallmark of our country and foundational to our democratic republic for more than 235 years. It was an original concept in many ways to the learned colonialists prior to the 19th Century. We have stood by that concept in true adherence to allowing other persons to form an opinion.
To some extent opinions have been divided into a posture of for or against, which did not exist with strength five decades ago. We have been divided into choosing sides and not wanting to allow the other side to form an opinion. Unfortunately, to some extent each side understands that predicament and is convinced the solution is for the other side to make the change.
Can we see that forming an opinion is good and that a person can choose not to agree with us?
Freedom of Speech.
Certainly the reflection of dividing into opponents is most severely seen in the presence of candidate and former president, Donald Trump. He is a lightening rod of political debate, unlike few other political candidates in recent U.S. history. There is no answer here why. Is it his political beliefs? His personality? His history? Is there another reason?
Does it follow down the ladder of politics to candidates, or, incumbents, with less political clout and less political standing?
Can we consciously make changes? Take it less seriously? Less personally? More understanding More caring?
Voting is one way to make changes to our representatives and to our system. There are those who claim voting is worthless and does not make a difference. It certainly does not dramatically make a difference, nor immediately, but it is an avenue for change. It is better than a violent approach which in the long run is not the solution
Has our society in general given up on the voting process, or, can we see the benefits of voting in each election? As a society are we too busy to make voting turnout exceed 50% even for the presidential elections?
When we do not think something is important we lose a perspective and lose what we have taken for granted. The answer is in our understanding, in our dedication to offer respect, and see each person as having individual freedom of expression and that it is a good thing. We can do better.