NOT A PLACE FOR RUDENESS

JANE Singleton makes some very valid points in her recent email to the Accrington Observer.

I think everyone would agree with her that Facebook, or any social media, is not the place for the rude and unpleasant comments which she has encountered.

Mrs Singleton describes people as being bitter and horrid and she is right; across both sides of the political spectrum there have been comments and posts which have done nothing to inform or add to the debate and much to inflame emotions.

I suspect some of this is deliberate, with people making comment or reposting material and stepping away when the debate becomes heated.

It is however important to recognise that people are entitled to hold their elected representatives to account.

I have questioned our MP’s voting record in Parliament as I feel it is important Hyndburn is properly represented in Westminster.

This can be a robust process, with views exchanged and points made.

It is not ‘point scoring’, it is allowing the wider community to consider issues and contribute.

However, it is completely wrong to insult our elected representatives, and those who try to add to debate in a constructive manner.

Social media provides an opportunity to exchange views and discuss ideas.

This is all the more important when social distancing prevents the normal daily interaction we are all used to.

There is perhaps an onus on us all though to consider what we say and how we say it.

Challenge each other, question why things are they way they are but when you are resorting to insults such as the kind Mrs Singleton has described I would suggest you have lost the argument.

Unplug the computer, turn off the phone, make a cup of tea and relax.

We have a lot more in common as a community than we perhaps realise. Tony Grogan Oswaldtwistle