By Edward Sperry, Stevensville
I have hesitated to write concerning the Guest Comment of July 12 by Marty Essen entitled “The Cult of Republicanism.” I was revolted by Essen’s opinion piece as it was a perfect example of hate speech. It’s sole objective was to offend and belittle fellow citizens who happen to harbor different views on issues presently in the forefront of public discourse. Hey, fellow citizens, ridicule and snarky comments are not proper components of public discourse. Actually such tirades are usually indicative of a position on issues which are not generally accepted by other significant facets of society. Such issues are worthy of rational discussion, not diatribes. But such demeaning expressions seem to have become the means of debate in our present national debate environment. If you accept that unpleasant fact, as I regretfully do, why am I bothering to respond to the editorial?
Well, I am sorry it got printed and question the judgment of the Bitterroot Star. The Star can print what it deems proper. That is basic to the First Amendment which I served to protect during 26 years of military service. A learned opinion piece encouraging meaningful debate would have been consistent with the proud history of community service earned by the Bitterroot Star. For example, the Star led the fight for access to the Mitchell Slough. It was a long fight and took courage to face the deep pockets of the residents who thought they should own a river. That seems to me to be what a local paper would always seek to do.
The guest comment in question was harmful to debate. Why would any citizen care to waste time arguing with an elitist ideologue? Many rational questions remain unanswered and all are vital to our society. As a citizen sitting comfortably at my desk on the bottom of Glacial Lake Missoula I am well aware of the nature of constant change in our planet’s atmosphere and geology. But, for example, when there are valid serious questions about what is occurring, I shudder at the thought of arguing with someone to whom climate change seems to be a religion without a god.
I sincerely and with respect encourage the Star to revisit its policies concerning what they wish to print. Perhaps it would be worthwhile to always merely ask, does the item about to be printed do harm? Does a history of prior publication and speaking on campus actually establish proper bona fides?
In today’s charged and divided environment, Guest Comments such as the one in question have no effect other than to encourage further divisiveness. Please give this some thought. You and the paper you produce are a vital part of our community. We need your very best!
Jim Parker says
Like Larry I am grateful for Ed Sperry’s service to our country and valley. After rereading his opinion piece twice and retrieving Mr. Essen’s guest column, its my judgement Ed’s thinking is way wide of his target.
Essen is questioning the morality of the modern day Republican Party. On that the current leader of the Republican Party and his spokespeople make it abundantly clear. Inflammatory language, flaunting long accepted practices and false claims are their daily diet. If there is a fire here, the President set it. And his lust to dominate the news cycle fuels it.
Any divisiveness created by pointing this out is clearly outweighed by the silence of more traditional republicans. Let’s debate whether or not the current occupant of the Whitehouse is openly violating the emoluments clause? Lets debate whether or not his refusal to abide by the custom of releasing tax returns is covering up a massive money laundering scheme with Russian oligarchs? Lets debate whether or not Trumpcare is a healthcare measure or a tax relief bonanza for the super rich? And yes, lets debate whether or not Exxon should be held accountable for deploying the tobacco industry strategy to confuse the public on climate science?
Pamela Morris says
Thank you, Marty Essen for speaking truth regarding the Republican Party. In my opinion, his “sole objective” was to identify Republican Party practices that should concern honorable citizens, especially Republicans.
Ed Sperry criticizes Mr. Essen’s comments by labeling them as “hate speech”. He also tries to suppress free speech by pressuring Bitterroot Star to practice censorship. I, too, as a progressive “liberal” have experienced such repressive tactics by Republicans here in the Bitterroot.
Thank you Bitterroot Star for holding an open forum for the expression of diverse opinions.
Larry Campbell says
I am grateful the Star’s policy is to print pretty much all the letters that are sent in. I am grateful that Ed Sperry worked for 26 years to protect that right. Ed, just turn your other cheek, or eyeballs, as the case may be. You don’t have to read any letter you don’t like. Just let others have the freedom to do as they like.