Liberals do not have a mental disorder

Domenic Mantoan
Published: March 21, 2008

Mr. Molleur’s letter to the editor on March 18 exemplifies everything that is wrong about American politics today. Instead of respecting the opinions of others, it is easier to be derogatory and demeaning.
Statistics show that America is almost evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, so it is unproductive to resort to name calling. In democratic forms of government, responsible politicians negotiate with their opponents and reach a compromise acceptable to all (if not entirely perfect to either).

Today we call those responsible politicians “wafflers” and they are demonized when they should be honored. Instead, today, we honor the ideologists who marvel at their own wisdom and shun the opinions of others (happens in both parties).

One could argue that Mr. Molleur is not a politician and does not need to respect the opinions of others, but Mr. Molleur is also a voter and these types of voters are responsible for placing ideologists in political office. That is how America elected President George W. Bush, and as a result he acts more like King George than President Bush.

In all fairness it should be noted that there are ideologists in the Democratic Party as well, people who show no respect for conservative values. We need politicians who are willing to work together; those that demonize the other side are never willing to negotiate.

The only way to get responsible politicians is to have responsible voters. And so I would urge voters like Mr. Molleur to be considerate of all opinions and vote for considerate politicians.

Those who vote for their own narrow viewpoints without consideration for those who differ are really voting for dictatorship. It means you are willing to push aside all who disagree with you and force your opponents to abide by your values. True members of a democratic society vote for reconcilers not dividers, and we do this by being reconcilers ourselves.

DOMENIC MANTOAN

Woodbridge