Let's appreciate all viewpoints

Although dated, I refer to an editorial printed several weeks ago on the civility of public opinion; there have been a series of comments posted recently which begs attention. It is my hope that the editors and readers of the online Daily Herald, duly, take note.

Earlier this week, comments directed to "the regulars" on these threads solicited a defense of the very accusation made against these regulars, myself in particular. It was a sad reflection directly relative to the offenses of those who opine on the stories, as printed. I might add this was a news story, and not an editorial offering.

My question to the author of that post: What makes your personal attack, to those whom you are offended by, any better than that which you presented in such a self-righteous and superior tone?

I ask this in light of an American Public who is encouraged to speak their mind, to offer an alternative view, and to remember that the rights of one are the rights of all. No one person carries the same thought on every issue, and that is the makeup of our free society, plain and simple.

There is talk radio, call-in television, blog sites and the like which would not be of interest to anyone if not for the myriad opinions offered in each of these entities. The more diverse the content added to those discussions, the better the ratings and public interest. I am humbled that the thoughts I express are my own and that I have a place to offer them.

Vile negativity, posed by one who viciously imposes their view, is completely unnecessary. As a "regular," I have never posted that another's view is bad because I don't agree with it, nor have I personally attacked any author. There have been many "conversations" I have conducted with those who are of an opposing side of a topic; and frankly, by agreeing to disagree, these dialogues have been intelligently carried out. I truly appreciate that, and have indeed learned a thing or two from the other side of the fence, so to speak.

While there is nothing that can be done, but for the actions of an editorial board as the "peace keeper" on these kinds of sites, it would behoove us all to simply remember that no one is any better than another. In a free society, our personal views are allowed to be expressed, equally. So long as civility is maintained, we must be of sufficient character to understand we are not all on the same page, chapter or book.

The alternative could be the loss of this very arena where we can add our thoughts on the current events of our world, and that would be nothing less than ignorant censorship. Don't let your ego be so far ahead of your face that you can't smell the roses.

Camille Ziemann

Algonquin