Don’t shut down discussion

I was quite certain there would be some backlash to Steve Massey’s Aug. 12 column. Rather than comment on Pastor Massey’s opinion column, I would like to address the letter from Pastor Jan Shannon (Aug. 16). Her letter is a perfect example of today’s culture. Rather than present a cogent rebuttal to the column, she engages in the “I’m right and if you don’t agree with me, you are hateful and bigoted” argument so prevalent today.

She presents statements but does not back them up (“error-filled”- by whose yardstick? Hateful diatribe? - where?; research? by whom?) Unfortunately, this tactic is becoming increasingly common in many areas of society.

If we, as American citizens, cannot thoughtfully and honestly engage in meaningful debate about “gray” issues (and the transgender issue is an example of a gray issue in the minds of many), but rather seek to denigrate and censor the opinions of others who don’t agree with us, we are certainly headed for an Orwellian existence where Big Brother will be telling us what we can and cannot say.

John Kittel

Spokane