Donald Trump and maga Republicans must revisit the basics of decency and kindness! End hate speech caused by extremism

Civility matters:  Maine Writer preface, it is time to revisit quotes by Fred Rogers.  "There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind."

Echo opinion letter published in the Philadelphia Inquirer:

I fear we are losing sight of how effective democratic political discourse has historically depended on applying the “Golden Rule” across party lines — that is, treating others as you would like to be treated yourself. In one notable example, then-presidential candidate, Republican John McCain, publicly defended his opponent, Democrat Barack Obama, during a town-hall meeting in 2008 when one person stated, “I don’t trust Obama … he is an Arab.” “No, ma’am,” McCain responded. “He’s a decent family man, citizen, that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that’s what this campaign is all about.”

At that time, political debates emphasized policy differences rather than constant ad hominem personal attacks. Lawmaking in our democracy was understood to nearly always require compromise. However, this administration’s stated intention is to “flood the zone” with divisive and inflammatory rhetoric, purposely cutting off constructive and factual dialogue over policy differences.

A return to resilient American democracy calls for increased bipartisanship, collaboration across political lines, and stopping the personal attacks on character, integrity, and motives of those with differing political views. 

Recently, there was widespread public advocacy for a renewed commitment to our First Amendment rights. We must seize the moment and extend it to encouraging “Golden Rule” practices within our democracy. Healthy debate requires that we disagree without being disagreeable. A return to respectful and civil political discourse is essential if our Great American Experiment is to survive.

From Douglas Coe, retired captain, U.S. Navy, and former senior executive at U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Gaithersburg, Maryland.