Bravo to Bill Donahue from Gilmanton, “Exchanging viewpoints: This rural liberal set out to talk to his pro-Trump neighbors” (Monitor Local & State, Feb. 27). I applaud Donahue’s courage to engage in civil conversation with neighbors who might disagree. As another liberal and sometimes writer, I had some of those conversations before the temperature in our nation grew hot. Donahue writes, “Great conversations are rooted in courage and trust. We need them to keep our nation civil and stable.”
As a teacher I encourage my students to discuss what strategies they use to solve math problems. Same math problem, two students employing two different strategies. We talk about the process and how we arrived at the solution. I encourage my students to share their thoughts, which takes courage and trust.
We all need more courage to share our thoughts with civility. Whether it’s about lunch duty, dismissal, vaccines, masks, diversity, math strategies, or health care.
Donahue wrote about the challenges and backlash he received for holding a Black Lives Matter rally in his town. He writes, “During the past few weeks, I’ve seen just how difficult it is to make them (conversations) happen. Over and over, I’ve been stonewalled and reminded that a lot of people would rather say cruel things online than talk in person.” How true.
Thank you for your courage, Mr. Donahue. May we all have respectful, civil conversation with our neighbors. And as John Kennedy said, “Remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness.” Baby steps are needed.
MARY KEEGAN-DAYTON
Bradford