The recent Ravalli County Commissioners’ meeting, regarding a letter to prevent Syrian refugees from coming to the county, was so heavily attended it was moved to the Middle School. Many wide-eyed students stood on the edge of hallways as agitated adults tromped through the front doors, in and out of the auditorium and finally milled through various corridors to the gym.
The meeting was held during the day when few working people could attend. Because of the large attendance, comments were limited to 30 seconds. Contrary to usual procedure, applause was allowed after each speaker and some speakers were drowned out by audience disagreement. Both types of interruption wasted already limited time and served to increase volatility and polarization of the audience.
Comments often lacked accurate information, were fear-based, angry, inflammatory and contained gross exaggerations. Irrational and rude behavior interfered with civil discourse.
The Middle East and Ravalli County both have serious issues that need solutions. However, the scale, duration and gravity of the situations is vastly different. Hatred, intolerance, fear and ignorance do not produce effective solutions either place.
Judith Fraser
Hamilton