Divisive politics ruining American life

Whatever happened to Iowa Nice? When the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” was not just what we were taught in church, but the high moral ground on which our community and democratic republic stood.

Mutual respect and compassion seem to be in short supply everywhere you turn. I find the condition of our state and national politics troubling. It seems as if people have stopped treating each other with kindness and concern and instead, suspicion or outright disdain. This has entered nearly every aspect of American life, from loud and discourteous fans at high school and college athletic events to direct threats against law enforcement personnel and their families. Need we look any further than the chants to “hang Mike Pence” during the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol? It is disgraceful behavior and should be condemned by Americans on all sides of the political spectrum. There are even calls for civil war. Civil war? As if killing those we disagree with will somehow solve our nation’s problems. How did that work out the last time it was tried? Over half a million dead! There are no winners in war, only losers.

We need to heed the advice of those wisest among us and turn down the hateful rhetoric and listen to the concerns of those with whom we disagree. To do otherwise is madness.

David Gerleman

Swisher