Editorial: Can we dial down the animosity in America?

Posted 1/14/21

If written a week ago, this editorial would describe the shame and embarrassment of watching one of the sad days in American history unfold on live television. It would excoriate all those …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Register to post events


If you'd like to post an event to our calendar, you can create a free account by clicking here.

Note that free accounts do not have access to our subscriber-only content.

Day pass subscribers

Are you a day pass subscriber who needs to log in? Click here to continue.


Editorial: Can we dial down the animosity in America?

Posted

If written a week ago, this editorial would describe the shame and embarrassment of watching one of the sad days in American history unfold on live television. It would excoriate all those responsible, from the instigating commander-in-chief to the woeful security system that allowed the nation’s Capitol to be ransacked like a Walmart at the fall of civilization.

Alas, a week has passed, and so much has changed. The disgraced president has been almost completely stripped of his influence, and he will hopefully limp quietly through his final days in office. The Rhode Island governor is leaving to join the new administration, and changes are on the wind in all corners of government.

Afforded more perspective on one of the ugly days in U.S. history, all can reflect more on what it could mean for this country. The biggest mistake would be to let it mean nothing.

Everyone on all sides of this nation’s massive political divide should work to make sure Jan. 6 was the low point — not the start of things to come.

With far too many Americans radicalized (and this message is not intended for them, as they are too far gone to listen to reason), the vast majority must reach out their hands to the other side — hands in friendship, respect, or at the very least, grudging acceptance.

To be clear, everyone who can be identified as an instigator or perpetrator of last week’s acts should be arrested and prosecuted. However, while that is running its due course, the remaining 99.9 percent of Americans should move forward, not back.

The most divisive administration in U.S. history is ending. For many, there is optimism that better days lie ahead. But as new leaders and new ideas begin, this is not a time for gloating, taunting, accusing or antagonism. The side that lost is angry, hurt, fearful or ashamed, and those who “won” can help heal the nation if they can show class through the many transitions to come.

Whether talking over a dinner table or trading barbs on Facebook, everyone who shows restraint, everyone who listens to another view point, everyone who gives respect, will be taking tiny steps toward making this a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Jan. 6 was a national embarrassment. Let it live on, not as a rallying cry for animosity, but as a reminder of why this discourse and direction cannot continue.

2024 by East Bay Media Group

Barrington · Bristol · East Providence · Little Compton · Portsmouth · Tiverton · Warren · Westport
Meet our staff
Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.