To the editor:
Am I the only one in Indiana both alarmed and disgusted by Todd Rokita’s stated reason for initially refusing to participate in the April 30 debate by the candidates running for a seat in the U.S. Senate? As noted in the April 11 issue of the Daily Journal, Mr. Rokita “only wants to participate in debates organized by conservative and Republican organizations.”
Well, of course he does. It’s completely safe and convenient to participate only in debates structured by those who mainly agree with you, and won’t challenge you with any pesky questions or ideas that might require you to think on your feet and openly defend your positions.
This is as lame and cowardly as it gets, not to mention completely un-American and the absolute last thing we need in our nation’s senate. We need diversity of thought, opinion and position in order find the best solutions we can all live with for the many challenges we face in such a diverse population — both in Indiana and in our nation. This rising trend toward supporting candidates who act like spoiled, immature children who only want to play as long as no one disagrees with or challenges them is beyond ridiculous. And just because these candidates are different than what the norm has been, it doesn’t automatically make them the better choice.
An intolerant, closed minded and rigid person with no capacity to hear or consider another person’s needs and viewpoints, is simply that — intolerant and closed minded. And it’s not a sign of strength. It’s a sign of fear, weakness and complete disregard for anyone else’s concerns.
And fear coupled with any level of power is particularly dangerous. Despite the relentless droning by extremists on both ends that this country is utterly lost and our government a veritable cesspool, the truth is this: regardless of Russia’s intent to destroy it and Trump’s unwillingness to defend it — we are still blessed to live under the greatest form of government ever conceived.
Yes, we are a long way from perfect and have significant challenges, but the majority of people do actually have more in common than not. We are good, decent, law abiding people. And mainly we want to just get along civilly with one another regardless of our religious or political differences. We are mostly moderates who still want our legislators to work together toward solutions that are sensible, fair and reasonable enough that we can live peaceably and respectfully among one another. And that is not going to happen by electing people with no desire to hear or consider another person’s point of view.
Legislative perfection isn’t realistic in this or any other nation. But to allow people into office who refuse to debate issues and avoid those with a different point of view is to add not only to the division growing like unchecked cancer in this country, but also throwing another brick in the face of what it means to be American.
Enough already.
So to Mr. Rokita, I say — stay home. You aren’t worthy of the job. We don’t need more ethically vague, fear-mongering, non-cooperative, bullying crybabies in our government. We need those who will honor this democracy and commit to work with others rather than those who would simply dictate their will on the masses.
Lisa Voiles
Whiteland
