Stop using such divisive language | Letter to the editor

Posted

The Leader has repeatedly referred to the Press Conference held in support of Julie Jaman as an “anti-trans rally.” This characterization is grossly misleading at best and highly divisive. 

Those who voice concerns about the implications (specific and potential) of welcoming anyone into single-sex facilities based on how they self-identify, are not de facto “anti-trans” or “trans-haters” any more than those who oppose the efforts of the “pro-life” movement to criminalize abortion are “anti-life” or “baby-haters.”

Polarizing language pushes people into extremist positions, leaving no avenue for discussion, empathy, or compromise. It foments righteous indignation, justifying malicious behavior in the name of allegiance to one faction or another (photographs, videos, and accounts by eye-witnesses of the counter “rally” speak for themselves). The use of derogatory epithets to malign anyone who disagrees with one’s position is driving an intractable wedge between the people in this community.

As a nation and a world we stand on the brink. If we in this community, who share so many common values, cannot get it together to take a few steps back away from that precipice, what hope is there? 

I appeal to the good people of Port Townsend and beyond to stop screaming — literally and figuratively —long enough to hear each other. As a constituent, I expect our elected officials to demonstrate the leadership qualities apropos to the office, and rise to that standard.

To wit, to refrain from using inflammatory rhetoric, relying on facts not in evidence, and fanning the fire that now rages to the glee of those truly seeking to divide and tear us apart.

Lastly, as a consumer of news, I respectfully request that The Leader embrace the Journalist’s Creed and give us the fair and unbiased reporting our community deserves and desperately needs in these fractured times.

Linda Noble
PORT TOWNSEND