We must cease demonizing

DURING THE past four years, I had one rule when talking to friends and family about the state of the world: I would gladly debate any issue or topic, from immigration to the national debt, but I would not talk about President Donald Trump — not his character or his rhetoric or his personality. This rule wasn’t because I liked Trump, but rather because listening to a diatribe about the president wasn’t very productive or enlightening. Donald Trump was and is who he is and no amount of ranting can change that.

Unfortunately, post-election conversations and social media posts have become increasingly vengeful. Each side points to how people on the opposite side are evil and irredeemable. You voted for Trump, so by definition you are a racist, sexist, homophobe who supported the Capitol riot. You voted for Biden, so by definition you are a wild-eyed socialist who wants to destroy the country and impose your distorted vision on everyone else.

Just stop it! We have to cease demonizing each other and assuming all those on the other side are motivated by ill will and bad intentions. Therefore, I have a new rule for conversation: I will assume the other person has the best of intentions, but I will no longer talk to people who question my character because of my political beliefs or affiliation.

KATHERINE OTT Albuquerque