I absolutely despise the polarization of politics in America today. Those responsible for this nasty dichotomy need to step back and reflect on how this ever-widening rift affects the lives of all Americans, young and old alike. So I was greatly annoyed when I noticed a presidential campaign flag, containing a crude and obscene phrase, flying next to the Whitehall High School sign south of the truck stop.
Is the purpose of the flag’s message to dampen our political differences, or to further widen the rupture in our democracy? Will visitors to Whitehall view this type of rhetoric as what defines our community? Is this campaign message an example of how we should teach our youth to respond to views they may object to over their lifetime?
Don’t get me wrong. I embrace the diverse views and opinions of the people I talk with in our community. I usually am taught a thing or two each time I talk politics with friends and neighbors, whether I agree with their views or not. But I do so civilly without using disparaging phrases, name-calling or baseless statements.
I encourage everyone to express their views in a civilized manner. Uncivilized expression, like this flag, reflects poorly on us.
I do not know whose flag this is. And though I do support his or her first amendment right to fly it no matter how much I disagree with his or her choice of words, I believe the person could have chosen a phrase that would better portray the people of Whitehall.
I would be happy to help the person design a more appropriate flag, even though I will not vote for his or her preferred candidate. Civility, not polarity, is the name of that tune. — Don Lepinsky, Whitehall
