Letter to the Editor

Little virtue being shown in politics

Thursday, September 4, 2014

To the Editor:

Charity and mutual respect are the hallmarks of a civil and robust society. Our politics, local and national, have been showing little of these virtues.

Facebook postings are really not personal postings. Whether on Facebook or other media, in council and private meetings, we have to always assume that others will learn of our opinions and actions. Charity and civility are full-time virtues.

Showing Peter Tinsley's crude Facebook posting in the Sunday paper certainly satisfied the curiosity of many, but I was struck by how similarly disrespectful and crude was the depiction of the president in the political cartoon by Ramirez on the same editorial page. Both caricatures not only disrespect President Obama and his office, but also the majority of the voters who elected him . . . twice.

Too often we believe we can better our own lot by blaming others. But we can ultimately only improve the common condition by recognizing each others' strengths and working together. None of our troubles can be attributed wholly to a single person or party. All the challenges we face locally, statewide, nationally and internationally are the result of the actions and inactions of many persons, and society, over many years. Disrespect and divisiveness only hinder our ability to solve the challenges that face us all.

I anticipate seeing more balanced opinions, together with constructive recommendations, in the newspaper, in council meetings and in everyday interactions. Openness, transparency and mutual respect are the hallmarks both of good journalism and a healthy society.

Bruce Beck

Poplar Bluff, Mo.