Letter: Let’s talk about our differences of opinions

<p><strong>To the editor:</strong></p><p>There are people who I might disagree with on certain issues and I would gladly discuss our differences. I would also commend that same individual for certain comments or acts. Being civil is the foundation of association. If you refuse to recognize the positive thoughts and actions of a person, then your criticism becomes destructive. If your criticism is based on half truths and distortions, then the opportunity for civil discourse becomes irreparable. Sadly, this is where we are today in America.</p><p>Political partisanship, in the past, was based primarily on ideology and supported by reasonable debate. Today, that process has been replaced with such a fervent dislike for the President that his opposition is willing to dismiss the tenets of their religion, sell their souls and destroy our Country.</p><p>I refer you to an article in the Sept. 12 edition of the Daily Journal. The article is written by Prof. David Carlson, and titled “Choose to live in reality.” Carlson is a professor emeritus of philosophy and religion. I have read many of his articles and truly believe him to be a man of faith. Here is my dilemma: Being a learned and religious person, why would Carlson fall prey to using half truths and distortions?</p><p>Carlson starts by accusing President G.W. Bush of using a “bait and switch” tactic to defeat John Kerry. Next, he mentions President Trump questioning the mental health of Joe Biden. He further claims he is qualified to make such a determination. However, he uses the “bait and switch” to avoid making a qualified assessment of Biden’s mental health by attacking President Trump.</p><p>Carlson claims that President Trump refuses to admit that there was Russian interference in the 2016 election, that the President called white supremacists “good people,” that the President has made optional face masks and social distancing, that the President used the term “loser” to refer to American soldiers who died in World War II and that the President recommended his followers try voting twice.</p><p>After a two-year biased investigation, there was no evidence of Russian interference that altered the outcome of the election. President Trump has repeatedly denounced white supremacists. Governors and mayors made masks and social distancing optional. Twelve named people said President Trump did not refer to our troops as “losers,” contrary to the four anonymous accusers. And the President’s comment on voting twice was in reference to the security of our voting systems.</p><p>I would welcome Daily Journal readers to heed Carlson’s recommendation, “always consider the source when hearing something outrageous about someone else.”</p><p><p><strong>Ron West</strong></p><p><p><strong>Johnson County Commissioner</strong></p>