Dear Editor: Can't We All Just Get Along?

Dear Editor,

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “Anyone who knows me, knows that I DETEST politics!”

Having read Jim Buterbaugh's Op-Ed on “Hate,” I cannot with any honesty back him on every point. Burt, on his main point, we are in total agreement! The senseless vitriol that we see, hear, and read about on a daily basis is taking its toll on this nation! At least for those who observe the evening news (I’ve also said this before, I almost religiously DON’T watch the news).

The problem, as I see it, is a personal one - though it seems to be universal in its scope!

One area in which I cannot back Jim on is where he seems to be toeing the Republican line in his own vitriol against Democrats. In my understanding/perception, this toeing of party lines (either the Donkey, the Elephant, or, for all I care, Shrek) is a symptom of the above-mentioned problem. The Democrats and the Republicans are like the Offense and the Defense on the same football team. It’s hard to say which is more offensive!” I believe an old Indian chief once referred to them as the left and right wings on a great eagle. Without going into the politics of war, I’m sure that every person involved has what they believe to be a good reason for doing what they do, or fail to do.

I’m sure Jim would agree with me on this, but, just because they perceive it to be a good reason doesn’t mean it IS a good reason. Of course, along the same lines, just because they’re Democrats doesn’t mean they’re wrong; just because they’re Republicans doesn’t mean they’re right!

The main reason HATE is so vividly present is everyone has their own opinion on any given matter. Some people can agree to disagree, by sitting down and discussing matters of importance in a civil manner, thus showing their love, not hate. Unfortunately, these kind of people seem to be quite the rarity.

A wise man once said, “Can’t we all just get along?” (or something to that effect). Obviously, most people think we can’t, but I’m here to tell you that we CAN! If we are ever to experience true and lasting peace in this world, we MUST! Of course, as I profoundly (if I do say so myself) spouted to a friend the other day, “If we’re not at peace with ourselves, how can we be at peace with anyone else?!” It starts with US!

Thanks for listening,

CHARLES HADON SHANK

Whitehall, Montana