Marc Thiessen’s March 22 column, “Let’s All Settle Down: Those Who Disagree Are Not Our Enemies,” was, on the surface, soothing and sound advice, and goodness knows, we desperately need more civility in our public discourse. As a rock-ribbed liberal who wants Republicans to lose control of Congress as soon as possible, I am perfectly willing to socialize, debate and interact politely with those of a conservative bent. As I always say, if everyone thought about issues the same way that I do, it would be a very dull world.
The elephant in the middle of Mr. Thiessen’s rhetorical room is, of course, Donald Trump, whom he mentions, glancingly, only twice. Here is where Mr. Thiessen and I part ways. Conservatives are not my enemies, but those who voted for, tolerate and enable Mr. Trump’s scapegoating, Islamophobia, racism, misogyny, xenophobia, mockery and mendacity are not my friends. Those attributes I just used aren’t up for debate; we only have to go to the video or Twitter, Mr. Thiessen.
It’s nice that Mr. Thiessen feels the way he does about his mother, but that’s an easy call to make since, I’m assuming, his mother, though a liberal Democrat, doesn’t share Mr. Trump’s personal traits. It’s a shame that Mr. Trump didn’t come to Mr. Thiessen’s mother’s defense as well.
Tax policy, trade tariffs, school vouchers, defense spending, gun control, etc. are all legitimate topics that require civil engagement from both sides of the political spectrum. Both the left and right are fallible. However, Mr. Trump and the disciples of the political style he represents are, in fact, the enemies of our republic, a nation ruled by law, and the nation Mr. Thiessen’s mother (an immigrant!) sought refuge in after battling against the forces of anti-Semitism, hate and intolerance.
Let’s all settle down? Let’s not.
WILLIAM STEEN JR.
North Side
Note from KBJ: After eight years of thuggery, Islamophilia, racism, xenophilia, and mendacity, Donald Trump is a breath of fresh air. If you don't get some help with your Trump Derangement Syndrome, Bill, you won't last another seven years.
