Go To Hell?!

Post #72

Earlier this week, a supporter and I were campaigning door-to-door in part of District 17.  A man was outside, working in his garden.  I approached him and introduced myself and indicated that I was running for the State Senate.  He asked whether I was “one of those baby-killers.”  I stated my belief that women should have reproductive choices, and that I suspected that we could find many other issues on which to agree.  After I offered a few examples, he replied that none of those programs would be needed if we kept killing all the babies.  This conversation was clearly not going to get any better or any more constructive.  I wished him well and started to walk away.  He then shouted out to my friend and me that we should both “go to hell.”  Two children (presumably his) were playing in the yard.

This so-called exchange surprised and disappointed us both.  Surely, people of strong convictions on any side of any issue can still be civil.  We can respect another viewpoint or agree to disagree and change the topic to a less inflammatory one.  He chose to do neither, though I gave him the opportunity.

Instead, his belligerence and disrespect provided his impressionable school-aged kids with an unfortunate role-model for rudeness and close-mindedness.  Are we then surprised when neighbors have trouble resolving disputes about pets, trees, boundaries, or noise amicably?  That people have trouble listening and seeking to understand a person from another faith, race, or ideology?

This incident emphasizes the importance I have placed on running a civil campaign, avoiding “going negative” as much as possible.  My opponent and I disagree on several key topics – many involving this tough economy and job situation too many of us face.  For example, I strongly feel that Montgomery County has too long been allowed to be the “piggy bank” to address the state’s economy woes.  Nonetheless, I’ve always tried to emphasize what positive attributes I’d bring to the Maryland Senate – rather than beat the drum about shortcomings of the incumbent.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  What do you think prevents people from acting in a respectful manner towards others when they disagree?  How have we reached the point where issues are so polarizing that compromise is virtually impossible?  Please send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#72) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.