LETTERS

Disagree, but be civil

LITTLE ROCK — It appears that there is a trend in our society in which some individuals feel compelled to impose their particular beliefs upon others by beating them over the head with them. Civility has been tossed out the window. When did it become socially acceptable to do this?

We live in a country that allows us the freedom of thought and speech, yet some people feel that they have a right to either disrupt or take away from others their right to expressthemselves. Each individual has every right to think as he or she wishes, but that does not give any particular individual a priority over any other. That doesn't mean we can't have spirited discussions about differences of opinion. There is a difference between a spirited discussion and a shouting match that only serves to see who can outshout the other.

By all means, each and every one of us has the right to develop our opinions as we see fit, but we also need to base them on facts, common senseand civility. After all, that is why our country was established in the first place. My direct ancestor Roger Williams, who founded Rhode Island, is well known for defending this right. That is why he established Rhode Island in the first place, due to intolerance of others.

We don't have to agree with one another on each and every issue. How do I know? The Constitution tells me so.
Tom Arnhart / Rogers