Bill Dawson: Time for kindness and understanding

To The Daily Sun,

Now that we have witnessed the pressure, anxiety, anger and fear generated by the confirmation battle, we need to step back and regain what we have temporarily put aside, peace of mind. We need the courage to see that those we were contending with were sincere in their opposition. It is time for a little kindness and understanding. There is a need for a presence of mind on both sides in order to initiate a new approach.

The new approach must be based in trust that both factions are working toward a goal that is beneficial to the nation. A suspension of animosity is required because polarization is destroying the fabric of our nation. Recently someone posted a quote from an unknown source: “If you don’t heal what hurt you, you’ll bleed on people who didn’t cut you.” Wise words!

As most of you who read what I write know, I am no starry-eyed idealist. If a problem exists between people I try to see if there is a fundamental flaw that, once removed, leads to harmony. Trust and stewardship are the key to collaboration. We are truly at a crossroad. Do we take the route to creativity or will inflamed partisan passion lead us to small-minded bickering?

The newest member of the Supreme Court, if he believes what he said in his speech, may be tested in the future on the bench. To his credit he seemed to take little comfort witnessing the president’s gloating and posturing as he stretched a short ceremony into a half-hour taunt. It was definitely not the roadmap to help find where cooperation exists. If we don’t find that route, then what will the country do? We are rapidly losing faith in our leaders.

Bill Dawson

Northfield