To the editor
A letter in the July 25 edition by John Willis, rightly bemoans the harshness of conservative talk with respect to liberal criticism of U.S. policies. I strongly agree with the sentiments of the letter and we should take our understanding of argument a step further.
Conservatives follow a “strict father” moral system. When left-wing liberals voice criticisms of U.S. policies, conservatives interpret these criticisms as attacks on the sanctity of the United States.
In the “strict father” moral system, those who attack sanctity are immoral and therefore deserving of punishment and isolation. In their moral fervor to protect the U.S. I suggest that they miss the original guiding spirit of our country stated in the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” There is no statement herein that these rights are limited to any specific class of persons.
Our future depends on both liberal and conservative camps focusing on the common ground rather that hammering on ways to further divide us.
This newspaper would serve the community well to actively encourage such discussion and discourage the hate, fear, and misinformation from those who would divide us.
Jeffrey Dickler
Rindge