I have written since college, often as therapy, exploring facts and pointing out the absurdities I find in life. My writing forces me to consider the topics I explore, to do the research to ensure a thorough understanding, and then to present those observations as opinion.
The resulting work is intended to offer a view that readers may support or refute, but in either event, the hope is to invite dialogue. Now you get your chance; read on.
It can be a risky endeavor, publishing research and ideas that others may view as contradictory, offensive, or just plain wrong. You open yourself up to criticism, or worse. However, I have always thought that if you believe strongly and are willing to do the work to support your views, it can be a worthwhile effort to share those views with others. In so doing, I invite discussion, debate, negotiation.
As a Republican who feels abandoned by the current policies the party has adopted, I have been critical of the current president and his administration. I’ve been questioned, by those in the current Republican fold, with, “Have you ever criticized the other side?”
They have the right to ask. They have the right to criticize. I have the right to free speech. That’s America.
My columns often reflect harsh criticisms of President Donald Trump and his administration. I have called out his actions, and while I have expressed support for some of his policies, his methods are foreign to what I view as governance.
His refusal to follow the rule of law or to uphold the Constitution, his cruelty, his narcissism, his authoritarian nature, and his immaturity have tainted my opinion. I think character counts, honesty is a virtue, and respect shown is respect earned.
But, for those who don’t remember my criticisms “of the other side,” let me remind you. I have called out Joe Biden and his handling of key issues, including his stance on forgiving student debt, his atrocious handling of the Afghanistan troop withdrawal, and his reluctance to withdraw from last year’s presidential race when it became apparent that age had diminished him. I wrote a column in March, suggesting, “Democrats, get your s*!t together.” I voted for Reagan, Bush-1, Dole, Bush-2, McCain, and Romney.
So here is my offer. For one reader who would like to refute the criticisms I’ve made of the Trump administration, or who simply wants to present “the other side,” email me and let me know. I will reserve a column in the next 30 days where I will print your opinion, un-edited, and without judgment.
I ask that you express yourself in 600-900 words without vulgarity, support facts quoted with verifiable sources, and provide your OK that your name will be attributed to your work (many feel if you are not willing to own your words, the value suffers). If multiple people accept the offer, I will select the first response but will communicate with additional requests, if there are any, to explore options.
While I have lost 2-3 friends based upon what I have written in columns, I do still have MAGA friends, and I respect those that can disagree with me while maintaining our relationship. So, if you are willing to be public in your views, be aware that some may judge you, and not only your words.
In today’s polarized political climate, fair exchanges of ideas are increasingly rare, even among our so-called leaders. Those discussions may often end in exasperation on one or both sides, with frustration turning into animosity.
I understand the passions and that neither side can see much merit in the other. So, I’m hoping at least one person will take me up on my offer. Use your voice, share your views, and listen to the responses you get; there may be many. And, while all feedback you get may not be supportive, I recommend that you process it as a dialogue to shape and grow your own views.
We all come from different life experiences and our opinions are shaped by those experiences. But meaningful progress can result when we listen to each other, even when that task may be uncomfortable.
We need to hear each other and start remembering that one side is never all-right or all-wrong. We need to realize that compromise is OK, and that negotiation can be more positive than an I-must-win-you-must-lose competition. We need to stop seeing one another as enemies and start collaborating. We’re on the same team.
So, let me know – what do you think?
Email me at rantsbymac@gmail.com
Curt MacRae, a resident of Coldwater, MI, publishes regular opinion columns
To be notified by email when a column is published, or to offer feedback email at rantsbymac@gmail.com
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