I think we can all agree that the events on Jan. 8 in Tucson were tragic. I think we can all agree that most people in our country found the actions of the alleged gunman horrific. I also think many people would agree that politics and beliefs in this country have gotten too divisive – so much so that mentally unstable people are reacting in irrational and extreme ways.

We speak of terrorism as though it is something that isn’t found in this country by our citizens, yet we are seeing more acts of terrorism and threats being carried out by U.S. citizens in our own country. When people with extreme views parade their opinions as reality, sprinkled with fearsome rationale, we cultivate hatred, fear and violence.

What makes this country great is the ability to speak freely and to be able to disagree without persecution. But it is counterproductive when we constantly speak negatively about each other as if someone with the opposite opinion is evil. Our children are watching and, unfortunately, learning. We need to agree to the return of civil discourse.

Judy A. York

Sandpoint