With the approaching elections, I wish to remind the readers of the basic rules of courtesy. For some reason, when a person enters the political arena, he or she is open to all kinds of verbal abuse from people who are normally quite kind to others. Why is it that we feel free to call elected officials names that normally we would not dare to speak in public? In addition, why do we feel justified in verbally assaulting those who have views different from our own? I would like to remind people that it is possible to disagree without becoming angry, hostile or mean.
For example, I felt a measure of anxiety in writing this letter in support of President Clinton. I am not in any way ashamed of my support of him or my more liberal views, but why should I have to open myself up to the verbal abuse that I have seen many others face? Just because the topic of conversation is politics, it does not mean that we forget the basic rules of courtesy.With that said, let me say that I have a great deal of respect for former Sen. Bob Dole. I believe that Dole is a good man who loves this country very much. I know that he only has the good of America in his heart. But my vision of what is good for this country is different from his.
I do not believe that a 15 percent tax cut will do anything but increase the deficit. Sure, we had 10 years of prosperity after the Reagan tax cut, but now we are paying for it with an enormous debt. I believe that we need to strengthen environmental regulation - if we destroy the environment, then none of us will have jobs. I believe in building public education and not abandoning it in favor of school vouchers. And I believe that Clinton will do these things.
Not only do I support Clinton, but I support your right to disagree with me. Please do so politely.
Heidi Greenwood
Provo