We need to find common ground

I often wonder how we became so divided in values and politics. We are forced to pick sides on major topics, and wars begin. Each stance providing evidence to support their argument, neither side really considering what the other is offering after key words or arguments strike a chord that halts all discussions.

Differences in opinion and thought are normal, but it seems that discourse and intensity is increasing. We recruit others to take up our fight, increasing voices and intensity, hoping that the message is heard by the other. We fight each other as if our rights depend on it. We fight as if our life depends on it because for some often it does and for others it feels like it.

Health, housing, and hatred catastrophes are pushing people to their limits on civility, respect, and even comprehension. People exercise their rights and abilities to free speech and electoral processing, like recalls, even to the detriment of the greater good.

Some old-school sayings come to mind that I think need remembering: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Be nice to your neighbor. Do unto others as you would want done to you. What you say and do does matter. The pen is, without a doubt, mightier than the sword.

Somewhere in all this we do have common ground, and I wish that we could all find a way to come together to stand on it. It’s the only way that we make it out together.

— Jesica Giannola, Chico