To the editor:
I’ve come to admire the Brits’ ability to refer to the political other as the “Loyal Opposition.” In doing so it endows the “other” with valued recognition and respect. I’m sure at times all of us have been perceived as the opposition. What is important is a civilized reference or response to our right to be in opposition.
Recently one of our presidential candidates referred to his opposition as “slime, scum, and vermin … to rot in hell.” Such rude and arrogant commentary accomplishes nothing. Slurs and disrespect have no merit — absolutely no place in our grand society. We’re all together in this “Republic Soup” and have the opportunity and obligation to elect intelligent and respectful representatives. The majority of us want a united country, not a divided one. Character assassination and destructive labels are not the ingredients of an emotionally stable and secure presidential candidate.
