How did we get to this?

by Laura M. Krum, Stevensville

I find myself wondering how we got here and have been unable to find an answer. I now find myself living in an era where bullies win. Being outrageous, loud, rude, and cruel now means that you win. This behavior can result in your being admired by people and give you a venue to spread lies and hatred.

As someone in their sixth decade of life, I remember when this behavior would not have been tolerated. Somehow we now not only tolerate this behavior but we praise and reward it.

I read these letters every week and cannot believe the hate and vitriol that appear on the page. Some are touting the Bible and Jesus (whom I think said judge not lest ye be judged, and love one another) to lend credence to their message of discrimination and hate. The fact that someone can behave so badly that the city has to settle a lawsuit to compensate the victims and people continue to support him is mindblowing.

What happened to the expectation that you share your view civilly and rationally? What happened to listening to what the other person has to say and responding calmly and rationally? It is possible to express your disagreement without yelling, cursing, and demeaning the other person. It is possible to accept defeat civilly and humbly.

I love living in this community. There are a lot of loving and kind people who live here. I am sad that some people have chosen to be hateful in their expression of opinion and I am shocked that I live somewhere where bullies win. I hope this will stop, and we can get back to expecting that people express their opinions with grace and decorum and not tolerating anything less.

I would also appreciate it if this newspaper would hold to the 600 word limit for letters to the editor. I suggest if a letter is over the word limit, it be rejected and not printed. I don’t think it is the job or responsibility of the newspaper to edit letters that are over the published word limit.