Last week, the Arkansas State Senate passed a bill that would ban Drag Shows near places where there were children.  The authors of the bill said that they were getting death threats.  My first reaction was “Good”.  A minute later, I reconsidered and concluded that while many people (and myself) have the opinion that the authors of the Bill don’t have good intentions, it is wrong for such people to make personal threats.

When I read about Republicans viciously attacking and mocking others who don’t share their political views, I am angry and baffled.  What motivates them to mock and make conspiracies about Speaker Pelosi’s husband being assaulted?  Then I put the shoe on my own foot and consider my views on Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.  I have a low opinion of her, so it would be easy for me to say nasty things, or to express schadenfreude at something unfortunate happening to her.  Viewing it from that perspective, I can sort of understand why Republican politicians and voters express flippant remarks about Senator John McCain dying from cancer, or make threatening phone calls to a public figure they don’t like (it should be noted that some Republican Politicians and pundits dehumanize opponents on purpose to “prime the hate” of sorts).  However, it doesn’t make it right.  It has been said before, but it is much easier to be civil towards people who you like than who you dislike, but being civil towards everyone is what makes a Democracy healthy.

Let me expand on what I view as the boundaries for expressing opposition to a person or a policy.  For example, I view protesting in front of a politician’s home to be crossing the line.  I disliked the people who protested at the homes of Supreme Court justices after the Dobbs decision was handed down.  Everyone has a right to be at home in peace.  I understand the viewpoint that Justice Alito, for example, has caused hardship to millions of women and therefore has given up his right to be at peace anywhere.  However, I strongly disagree with that stance.  Protests should be limited to certain locations, like in front of the Supreme Court with regards to the Justices, or in front of the White House when it comes to protesting a government policy.  It should be noted that protesting at someone’s home is a hassle to Neighbors, who have to deal with the nonsense without having anything to do with it.

Large majorities of people lament that there is too much polarization in this country.  Not enough people take the second step and think about how they themselves contribute to the polarization and divisive atmosphere.  It starts with people dialing down the rhetoric, including me. For instance, I watch the language I use to describe people I have strong disagreements with. I also am careful to avoid inflammatory language when writing any of my posts (not that it is hard). I will say it again: It is not enough to lament about divisive rhetoric, people must take action to dial down their own rhetoric, including Liberals and Moderates.

Comment on your agreements or disagreements with me below.