Personal attacks are not constructive

An open letter to Lori Fink of Elgin

I began reading with interest your open letter to Sen. Durbin published in the Daily Herald’s Opinion Page on Feb. 3. My focus waned considerably when I reached the point where you informed the senator and your readers that he “hates everything America was founded on,” your words, not mine.

Seldom is an argument carried or a debate won when the opening salvo is to denigrate the opponent with a personal attack. I do understand that is the preferred style for some in leadership positions these days. Nonetheless, I doubt the senator hates America.

May I suggest a better approach might have been to assure the senator you believe he loves America as much as you. Then discuss your divergent views on the issues of the day. Perhaps close by stating how your love of America can be best satisfied by the implementation of President Trump’s ideas and how doing so will, in your opinion, serve the common good. That might have kept me (and the senator) engaged in your letter.

I humbly submit that without respect for one another and employing the good manners our parents taught us, our political discussions go nowhere.

Al Walters

Elgin