Jon Paul: Both political parties need to seriously tone down rhetoric

To The Daily Sun,

Members of the Republican Party keep saying the political rhetoric used by Democrats needs to be toned down. In concept, I agree that both parties should strive to lower the temperature a bit in our discourse. The problem is, change such as this has to start at the top and there is not a glimmer of hope that Donald Trump or his party leaders have any intentions of doing so. They repeatedly refer to Democrats as: “deranged enemies of the people; enemy from within; vermin; seditious; criminals; liars; traitors; dumocrats; whackjobs; communists and lunatics.” The tactic of labeling is meant to sow discord and intimidate people from speaking the truth. Within Trump's own party, if one questions him in any way or speak the truth, they are primaried out of office. These are not signs of a healthy republic. Not all Democrats are extremely progressive, liberal communists, just as not every Republican is a MAGA fascist. To generalize is to play with fire. As for me, I have no plan to stop being critical of our leaders when they unnecessarily steer the ship into choppy waters. Hopefully readers won’t stop speaking the truth they feel. Our forefathers fought for the right of all citizens to disagree civilly, no matter their political views. We need the best from each party to secure a favorable future for our nation. May God bless the United States of America.

Jon Paul

Alton