Increasing tolerance is a good point to start healing

What foments all of the divisiveness within our society? The cause of contention may be progressive versus conservative, white versus non-white, gay versus straight, wealthy versus destitute, evangelical Christians versus mainstream Christians, Muslims versus Christians, and the list goes on and on.

These divisions, in some cases, have moved beyond the point of intellectual disagreement or mild distaste to a level of hate that threatens to tear our society apart. Can you be sure that anyone you may meet will not fall on the “wrong” side of one of these divisions? Perhaps the greatest danger lies with the psychologically fragile individuals for whom this confusion, mistrust and paranoia can trigger acting out in an incredibly damaging fashion.

Obviously, the solution to this problem will not be quickly realized or simple, but increased tolerance toward others must be a logical starting point. Perhaps our leaders can be urged to cease demonizing their opposition and rather adopt a more conciliatory and constructive role.

Robert J. Boes

Ely