Dear Editor,
We need to talk about where we’re headed.
I’ve been sitting with a lot of frustration lately — not because I want to argue, but because I care. I care about this country, about the people in it, and about the values we were raised to believe mattered: honesty, accountability, compassion, and service.
Somewhere along the way, those values have gotten lost.
It’s hard to watch what’s happening now and not feel like something deeper is broken. We’ve reached a point where loyalty to a politician or party often matters more than truth, or even basic decency. It’s not just politics—it feels almost cult-like. And I say that with no intention of attacking anyone. But when people start defending behavior they would never accept from “the other side,” it’s worth asking: What are we really fighting for anymore?
Are we still trying to make life better for everyone, or are we just trying to “win”?
What we are seeing isn’t normal
- Elected officials treated like infallible idols, not public servants.
- People defending cruelty or corruption because it’s happening to someone they “don’t like.”
- Facts being twisted, ignored, or shouted down—just to protect a narrative.
- Neighbors turning into enemies over slogans and soundbites.
This isn’t what democracy is supposed to look like.
And what’s most concerning? Many people don’t seem to see how dangerous this spiral is. History has shown us, time and again: when a government or movement turns on a group of people, it never stops there. The silence and support that follow are what allow harm to spread.
So how do we break the spiral?
It’s not easy. But it is possible. From some research I’ve done here’s what helps:
1. Lead with empathy, not shame.
Mocking or yelling doesn’t change hearts—it hardens them. But treating someone like a human, even when you disagree, can open the door to real conversation.
2. Ask questions instead of delivering lectures.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is:
“Would you feel the same if the roles were reversed?”
“What would it take for you to change your mind?”
3. Focus on shared values.
Most of us want the same things—safety, fairness, a better future. Start there. Ask:
“Does this really make things better for all of us? Or just for a few?”
4. Model critical thinking.
It’s okay to admit when something doesn’t sit right, even if it comes from “your side.” Real strength is found in self-reflection, not blind loyalty.
5. Share stories, not just facts.
Facts matter, but stories move people. Tell the stories of those being hurt—not to win an argument, but to remind us of our humanity.
This isn’t about Left or Right, it’s about Right and Wrong
I’m not asking anyone to abandon their beliefs. But I am asking this:
- Be willing to question.
- Be willing to listen.
- Be willing to put people over politics—even when it’s hard.
Because democracy doesn’t die with one dramatic moment. It dies with small compromises, with silence, with cheering for cruelty because it didn’t land on you.
But the future isn’t written yet. We still get to choose what kind of country we are. And I believe we can still be the kind of people who care about each other—who lead with integrity, who stand up for what’s right, and who believe that a better tomorrow is possible for everyone.
I am not a political scientist, I have voted for both parties in my life. I am just a person who worries about things he is seeing and trying to make things better. Thanks for reading. I don’t expect agreement from everyone—but I do hope it sparks some reflection.
Because we need it now more than ever.
Michael Duncan
Graniteville, S.C.
