Too Much Vitriol and Polarization

Week after week, issues arise where various members of the community naturally disagree. Unfortunately, all too often, instead of their being a friendly and open discussion about areas of disagreement, and an attempt to reach some sort of understanding or middle ground, the rhetoric continues to escalate, often polarizing the community with the vitriolic tone and content.

I have probably disagreed with both sides of many of these issues as often as anyone. In defending one's position, spokesmen or advocates often over-simplify the discussion, and this creates little more than a rhetorical battle of words! Various people on either side of a particular issue often complain and blame, rather than actually seek solutions. We witness in political campains with candidates running on concepts of the need for change (without spelling out what should be done), or with exaggerations or over-simplifications. It happens year after year, here in Port Washington, whenever the school budget is discussed, with large numbers of people automatically either supporting or opposing the budget.

Unfortunately, it gets out of hand when there are so many accusations made (often unsubstantiated or unproven) to defend a particular position. Very often, advocates for a particular point of view claim to be able to read the other's sides mind and motives, often attributing hidden agendas or evil doings.

Every member of the community has the right to support or oppose any position, organization, policy, etc., and to publicize and advocate for his point of view. It becomes mere vitriol when the words become bitter and accusatory, and the accusations are made without certainty (merely an opinion).

I would hope that we can civilize the tone of future discussions. I encourage discussion and disagreement, even vehement, but urge all of us to avoid vitriol and polarizing language, and just have these discussions on their merits. Please, no more name calling!