Deadly collision of issues

Is President Trump’s rhetoric about the Charlottesville tragedy even more disturbing and confusing than usual? Maybe that’s because it involves a deadly collision of several different, yet related, crucial issues, such as violence, racism, hatred, freedom of speech and Donald Trump. It might bring some clarity if we pause to look at those issues separately, perhaps something like this: Unnecessary violence should be illegal and absolutely avoided. Racism, in ourselves and others, should be minimized, or eliminated if possible.

Hatred, that common human feeling, might best be approached first by controlling our own hatred, seeking instead for understanding and even love. Freedom of speech, one of our most highly cherished values, should be afforded to all, judiciously withdrawn only when there is a violation of other absolute principles, such as if someone directly promotes illegal violence.

And with Trump, may all avenues of peaceful politics save the presidency and our country from his disturbing and confusing attitudes and limitations. These are highly emotional times for all of us. This makes it especially important for us to consider calmly and thoughtfully each of the separate-but-related issues involved, and to discuss our differing views respectfully.

John Steinhelber, Fairfax