Debate isn’t the culprit

Sat., Jan. 22, 2011

We need more civility, we need to tone down the rhetoric, and there is too much vitriolic speech. If you think there is a causal relationship between political comments and the insane, chemically imbalanced murder in Tucson, you’re wrong.

Political vitriol and rhetoric has been part of American political process from our inception. Just do your research. Look at the Colonials’ fliers about the king. See how Hamilton, Jefferson and Adams fought with words in the early 1800s. The 1840s were full of the powers of New York’s Tammany Hall. Read what was said between Republicans and Democrats in Lincoln’s and Douglas’ times. 1914-1925 had the politics of unions and labor movement. It was not only written vitriol, but outright armed conflict with hundreds of people being killed.

We call a flier with cross hairs an incredible animosity? Instead of worrying about the perceived vitriol, maybe a concern about the direction your leaders are taking your country would be more productive.

For the sad situation in Tucson, early identification and treatment may have affected the outcome. We want our politicians to be civil? Look at your history. Don’t be puppets of the fifth column.

Chip Magnuson

Cheney

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.