Focus on similar goals

If people really expect to meet face-to-face with elected officials in town halls and similar venues, disagreements, frustrations and ideas for change need to be expressed in a constructive, non-combative manner.

Shawn Vestal said that Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and other Republicans “duck and swerve to avoid the intense opposition” when they skip town halls. He is wrong. Thankfully, these officials are simply refusing to tolerate the rude, boorish conduct that, sadly, he thinks is okay because it is only “messy … not violent.”

Sally Jackson, Democratic activist, condones booing our congresswoman at Unity in the Community. Andrew Biviano, Democratic county chairman, refuses to condemn such behavior, deflecting the conversation by instead criticizing Republicans. Such expressions of anger that some Democrats are condoning inhibit solutions and set poor examples for our children in how to work together in spite of our differences. We do not tolerate such rude, antagonistic conduct by our students when there is disagreement. Adults should not be excusing such behavior among ourselves either.

We do have many similar goals; often just different paths to reach them. We can find much common ground if we are willing to stop the disruption and name calling and focus on these goals.

Gretchen McDevitt

Spokane