The split in our nation

Dear editor:

In today’s (Monday) letter to the editor, “Trump speaks our language,” the writer asserts that the letters to the editor from conservatives are “driving the left crazy” and that the left “can’t handle the truth.”

I do believe my sanity is healthy and alert, as is that of others with opinions opposing his. It seems that labels are defining our belief systems — alas, not open minds, not good judgment, not compromise. Such behavior, where I was educated in the Texas schoolrooms and playgrounds, was not tolerated. Sometimes, I do feel tempted to explode with rage in disobedience to my profound educators who taught us to be reasonable and tolerant. Our teachers also taught us to stand up to those who tried to bully. Thus, my letter!

The words, the body language of President Donald J. Trump are recognizable. We can see that for ourselves in the endless television media. More often than not, his messages just do not exhibit good judgment or presidential demeanor. We don’t need to listen to “fake news” to come to our own conclusions about his off-the-cuff remarks.

Most of us are fortunate: we each have a left and a right arm and hand. We function so much more efficiently if the left and the right hands work together. This I learned, personally and overwhelmingly, while my right arm was in a sling for weeks. My “conservative” and my “liberal” friends came to my aid and I believe I recuperated much faster because of their help. There is a lesson here. Our nation will once again thrive if the left and the right politically leaning learn to cooperate with each other. Neither the left nor the right has all the answers.

What is really deplorable is a resulting split in our nation, both politically and morally, by goading assumptions such as that writer’s letter with a divisive intention. I’d like to say, “let’s just be friends,” but I think that might be impossible in this case. Your “truth,” sir, just might not be the truth or the whole truth! Peace, Barbara Thexton Hot Springs