Readers Write: Letter-writers need to stick to the issues

The Island Now

I look forward to each Friday for a number of reasons, including the arrival of my weekly edition of the Great Neck News.  

I studied newspaper journalism in college and have long felt that local newspapers served a vital purpose in keeping residents up to date on local news.  

But more importantly, I thought the real value of local newspapers was they created a platform for residents to exchange ideas and opinions on a variety of topics: legalization of marijuana; taxes; school budgets; local elections; and national politics.  

It is reassuring, and the cornerstone of democracy, that so many people engage in debate about important issues both on the local and national level. 

 However, it is disconcerting that some people who submit their views feel it is necessary to attack the person with opposing views, rather than (or occasionally in addition to) attacking the opposing view itself.  

Calling someone “stupid” or a “liar” because you don’t agree with them is not only childish, but it also reduces the potential for readers to accept your opinion.  

At the same time, however, when someone is attacked personally for expressing an opinion, it might behoove the person who has been attacked to look in the mirror and try to figure out why they are being attacked personally. (If you don’t do that or decide intentionally that you do not want to do that, then you might as well stop reading this letter.)  

Is the reason you are being attacked because the attacker does not have a valid rebuttal to your view?  Perhaps.  

Or is the reason you are being attacked because the way in which you have presented your view so infuriated the other person that he/she felt driven to personally attack you?

 I have been practicing law as an in-house attorney for corporations for 30-plus years.  

I have worked closely with mechanics, laborers, administrative assistants, sales persons, vice presidents, CFOs and CEOs.  And I can tell you that no one, from top to bottom, appreciates a condescending attitude.  No one likes be talked down to.  

No one likes to be ridiculed for an opinion.  No one responds well, and no one is willing to work with you, when they are treated that way.

 So my suggestion to those of you who think that Obamacare is the worst legislation that has ever been enacted in this country and to those of you who think that the Tea Party is a bunch of crazy extremists: debate the issues without talking down to people and without name calling.  

You may or may not convince the other person of your view, but perhaps you may at least have earned their respect by engaging in thoughtful discussion on important issues.  

And even if you don’t earn their respect, there is no need to stoop to their level…it just adds fuel to the fire.

 

Stuart Dolgin

Great Neck

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