Editor:

   To paraphrase a very bitter and angry comment in your letters section last week, “OK, someone might as well say it. I am quite sure nobody cares if Brian Norton approves of Rosemarie De Angelis or not!”

   Personally, what I do care about is the tenor of the political discourse in our country. In the past eight years, the “either you are with us or you’re against us” mindset has trickled down from the Oval office into our neighborhoods, schools, and local businesses. Where once one could have a pleasant discussion with your neighbor or a shop-keeper about politics, now, has become a barrage of mudslinging, fear and hatred as a way to present one’s viewpoints.

   Rather than discuss the merits of an idea or action of another, many attack their character or personality instead. The goal of which seems more in presenting how bad or wrong that person is instead of educating us on why the mudslinger’s ideas or actions are better, good or right.  The dumbing-down of political discourse is causing adults to act like children on a playground – taunting and calling names in order to appear like the victor.

   I was taught that bullies should be pitied and ignored and without an audience, they will go away. I have faith in my fellow South Portlanders that they believe this, too, and hopefully less and less of us will stoop to their level.  Hopefully, after eight years of fear and mudslinging, we can reclaim our American right to have our own ideas and views, and share them freely without fear of being “swift-boated” and maligned just because others have a different viewpoint. Ms. DeAngelis did not (nor does anyone) deserve the “negative and unproductive comments” that Mr. Norton shared with your readers.

    Freedom of speech does not mean the freedom to be uncivil. 

David Jacobs

South Portland