Anger is totally OK… it’s how we deal with it that counts. Remember Howard Beale’s line in the 1976 movie, “Network”? He said, “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!” It was a call to action… get energized… roll your sleeves up and get busy. Democrats can do just that on November 3, and they can channel their anger into something positive. There is no percentage in getting angry with those who do not share your opinions. BTW… have you settled on a Democratic candidate that you feel best represents your party?

Pardon me, Ray, for being angry at what Trump is doing to the country and the rest of the world, enabled by ignorant followers and congressional Republicans who just don’t dare to say anything against this inept liar we have in the WH. Yes, Ray, I AM angry!

We have not exchanged ideas for a while. I read your “Democrats vs. Trumpocrats” letter and replied through the Journal. However, the impeachment process seemed to edge out a lot of other political discourse. Here’s what I wrote:

Dear, Jorg
You certainly sounded angry in your latest letter criticizing persons who do not share your political views. There’s an axiom in politics that says you should not disparage an opposing politician’s voters. Why? The backlash can be devastating. Secretary Clinton discovered this truism following her “deplorables” comment. However, it does not appear the lesson has been learned. Mayor Buttigieg recently suggested that President Trump supporters condone racism. It’s just not true, but unfortunately, labeling the “other side” as racist or sexist or xenophobic scores points in some political circles… and sadly… it continues. It’s what Dr. Martin Luther King described as “violence of the tongue.” The reality is this: such labeling promotes divisiveness. The same can be said when someone labels others as dishonest and uneducated. Jorg, there is no “other side.” There’s just us. Angry letters demeaning persons with different ideas and beliefs stands in the way of developing a meaningful dialog and acknowledging there is more that unites us than divides us. Let the candidates trade barbs, snubs and affronts… they have been doing so for more than 200 years, but let’s not get wrapped up in directing anger at each other. It’s neither productive nor healthy. Consider the words of Mark Twain, “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”

Ray Fowler
Redwood City, CA