On Playgrounds and Politics!

So this is the scenario. You take your children to the park. They run into some friends from their school and take off for the swings. You are watching from a bench where you’ve joined a few other parents.After awhile, you notice the kids are having a disagreement about whose turn it is on the swing but you hesitate for a moment, try to let them work it out on their own. Then you hear your child, she’s yelling at one of the other children and calling them names. You immediately rush over to intervene. At this point whose turn it was to use the swing and what is or isn’t “fair” is no longer the issue. You let your child know in no uncertain terms that calling names is no way to resolve a disagreement. Seems simple right? Most of us would agree that this is reasonable.

So why don’t we insist on the same behavior from our public figures? Whether you are a politician, or a political commentator, personal attacks are not okay, calling names is not okay, period!

Do not get me wrong. I love a good political debate.  That, after all, is what is so wonderful about this country. We all get to have different views, and we can express those views without fear of being beaten or imprisoned. Our forefathers and foremothers fought hard for that right, for all of us. My son fought for that right for the citizens of Iraq. It is an important part of being American. However, the point is to exchange ideas and opinions and come to a middle ground that best suits everyone, not to bully someone else into agreeing with you. There is a huge difference between saying “I disagree with your opinion because . . .” and calling someone a slut. It is the difference between adults having a political discussion and children arguing on a playground.

Is it any wonder we have had such a problem in recent years with children bullying each other in school and online. What behaviors are they seeing modeled every day, not only by fictional characters on television but by politicians and political commentators who they have been told are “respected” and “intelligent” individuals.

Whether or not you agree with the young college woman who testified before Congress about healthcare coverage for birth control, you have to respect that she had the courage and the conviction to show up, to be part of the political process. Isn’t that what so many of us older folks have been saying we need; more young people to become part of the political process. I wonder if she’ll dare ever do it again? The right to free speech does not mean the right to slander someone whose opinion you disagree with.  Again, you get to say that you disagree. You get to say why you disagree. You get to present your own side of the story.  However, using language that demeans and bullies those who disagree with you not only makes you look bad, it contaminates the entire political process. Furthermore, it sets a tone for our children, especially those who are now old enough to want to become politically involved themselves.

We can do better, much better! It is time now, especially since the political season is heating up, to let our politicians and those who report and comment on them know that we aren’t going to tolerate bad behavior anymore. I personally, will not be voting for any candidate who engages in negative ads, negative campaign strategies or personal attacks of other candidates, regardless of what side of the issues they are on. On the other hand, if you engage in intelligent, honest and polite discourse, I will stop and listen to what you have to say and who knows you may even win me over! Go ahead, try it!

Karen Foley

About Karen Foley

Karen Foley, has successfully been writing her blog for the BDN since May 2011. By successful, she means a few people read it, and she has not been sued, stalked or fired since starting it.