When a political riot or a shooting like the one at a baseball practice in Washington, D.C. occur, we all ask, "Why does this happen and what can we do in the future to prevent it?"
I think a large part of the "why" is the name calling and the personal attacks by both parties that we hear every day coming out of Washington and also in our local neighborhoods. This goes way beyond political disagreement. There are disturbed people all over our country who are powder kegs waiting go off and act violently. Who knows what the final thing is to set them off. It could be some hate speech coming out of Washington or it could be some hate speech overheard in a local coffee shop. There's plenty of both these days.
So what can we do to help prevent these happenings? I think we all need to take a look at ourselves. I've done that and I'm sorry to say that I'm as guilty as anyone. I'm pledging therefore, and hope you'll join me, starting today I'm going to change my ways and limit what I say about the other political party. They have as much right to their political opinion as I do to mine. We have to come together, discuss our differences civilly and compromise. Nobody can have their way all the time. The best compromise is when both parties reach agreement but they go away a little disappointed.
Like the line in the song "Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me." Let there be peace between political parties and we'll all be rewarded with a better quality of life. We only have a relatively short time here on earth. Let's make the most of it.
Joe Lanz
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Baxter
