Letter: We must be able to talk to each other

I agree with a recent editorial that we need more mutual respect and civility between different viewpoints. A letter to the editor seems to blame all bad behavior on the Democrats.

Profanities are unacceptable, violence is despicable, but unacceptable behavior is also exhibited on the right — the Republican Montana congressman assaulting a reporter, a man bringing a gun to a pizza parlor after a false report of Clinton’s actions, a man in Portland killing two people after an anti-Muslim rant, students writing racist graffiti or harassing classmates, invoking Trump’s name.

In order to be the United States of America, I believe that different viewpoints need to talk with each other. I have contacted several local Republican leaders, asking them to give my contact information to a Trump supporter. I offered to treat that person to a meal, so we could have a discussion about experiences, concerns and questions. The only ground rules are don’t get defensive, and don’t try to persuade. I have had no offers.

In order to understand a different viewpoint, I need to be able to talk with someone having that viewpoint. If we are so divided that we can’t talk to each other, I worry for our country.

This story was originally published July 29, 2017 at 7:42 PM with the headline "Letter: We must be able to talk to each other."