To the Editor:
Over the last decade or two our nation has become increasingly divided along racial, economic and regional lines but especially along political lines. The proliferation of news sources and social media have supported and even accelerated this change. It has become easier and easier to find a source which tilts it’s reports to fit a particular bias or perspective. All of us are guilty of seeking out those sources which present reports in a manner which fits with our own perspective.
Why do I raise this issue? I do so because it is a major cause of the division which has evolved. That division has been supported in many subtle but highly effective ways by our adversaries and those who would do us harm. The evidence is clear that our commitment as a society to fundamental democratic values and processes has declined. The net effect, from my perspective, has been to make us weaker and more vulnerable as a country.
Recently, Rep. Dusty Johnson released an essay, a profoundly important essay in my view, calling for return to civility in our political discussions. In his words “We need thoughtful discourse among engaged citizens, not emotional attacks from enraged partisans.” Rep. Johnson goes on to suggest a number of “pathways” to move in the direction of civility. These include among other comments: “give others the benefit of the doubt”, “criticize actions and ideas, not people”, seek out “reputable news sources” and he goes on to say “Facebook is not a reputable news source”. I would add “X” (Twitter), TikTok and there is a long list of others.
The value of Rep. Johnson’s observations was recognized and reprinted in the Washington Post, a newspaper with nationwide circulation.
I would strongly urge everyone to read and think about Rep. Johnson’s important contribution.
Thanks for your consideration of this fundamentally important issue.
Tom Dean Wessington Springs
Editor’s note: Rep. Johnson’s column mentioned in the above letter can be found published in the print and e-edition of the True Dakotan (at left) and online at https://www.truedakotan.com/opinion/call-civility