— Amendment I to the U.S. Constitution
As the year comes to a close, it seems appropriate to celebrate the diversity of thought found within Homer — and on these pages each week.
The passion with which residents voice their viewpoints is admirable. But, as with most of our human strengths, that passion also can reflect a weakness. In defending our opinions, we sometimes see no need to show any respect to the person who just as passionately holds a view different than our own.
Not only is that just plain rude, but it frequently causes our debates to diminish into personal attacks. When that happens it’s hard to hear and analyze any side of an issue. We tend to retreat to a comfort zone shared only by those who think as we do or we go into personal attack mode.
And that’s bad for the community as a whole.
The best decisions are reached when people can share ideas in such a way that no one feels threatened. We don’t have to agree to show respect — in fact the ability to hold those with opinions different from our own in high regard (or at least not belittle them) — might be one of the best signs of a truly civilized society. It causes us to examine our own viewpoints and the foundation for them. When we are truly able to listen to the other side, or other sides, it allows us the freedom to explore whether there might be a better way than our own.
There’s a reason everyone knows the adage “two heads are better than one.” It’s because it’s true. We do our best work as a team. We come to better conclusions and create better compromises when we do it together. We get a broader, more realistic perspective when we listen to other points of view.
As the New Year dawns, it would benefit us all to resolve to make respect a part of our exercise of freedom of speech.
As individuals make an effort to listen to other viewpoints, we also hope government at all levels will make an effort to listen to all citizens, not just those who are able to show up for meetings and voice their opinion. While good government is all of our responsibility, the fact is life — including jobs, kids, school and illness — sometimes makes it difficult to participate in government as fully as we should or as fully as we want to.
Our hope is elected officials will take the time to seek out those who may not be represented when public opinion is heard. Even though they may not be old enough to vote, our communities, state and nation will have a better grip on the future if young people are included in making decisions.
Here’s to a New Year marked by respect and the inclusion of all opinions.
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