“Why can’t we learn from each other? Why do we have to put up walls to protect ourselves from each other? Whatever happened to working through conflicts until we reach an understanding where all parties can feel good?”
In his book “Faith and Politics,” former senator Jack Danforth “asks, ‘Where is the voice of moderate Christians?’ The answer of course is it is silent. Why are we silent? Are we silent because we don’t know how to proceed? Because we are afraid? Because when we verbalize our positions, others lambaste us?” In politics, negative ads work. Candidates who run positive campaigns with advertising focused on the issues see their leads disappear in the face of their opponent’s negative campaign and negative advertising. “Those negative ads teach all people that when you have a problem with another, just call the other names, demonize them and build up your walls. … It’s time to wake up! Get up and speak at town hall meetings … church meetings and call for working things through!”
From “Seeking civility: Presbyterian pastors establish Institute for Civility in Government” by Tomas Spath and Cassandra Dahnke
