We need to return to civil discourse

I was dismayed to read Todd Dorman’s May 30 piece regarding the criticism of his column.

The opinion section of the paper should be a place to read a variety of ideas. I don’t always agree with those columnists I read, but a variety of opinions is the whole point. If I continually disagree with the view of a columnist, I may choose to not read that column. I can express my disagreement with my friends, or write to the editor, or write to the columnist. But what gives anyone the right to be mean and disparaging of another’s work? Everyone, including a columnist, is entitled to express an opinion without being attacked.

As a country, we need to return to civil discourse and polite disagreement. It needs to start here, in Iowa.

Kristin Beatty

North Liberty