Editorial: 'I don't want to lose their friendship ...'

Our Facts Matter program Wednesday night at the Forest View Education Center in Arlington Heights was focused on the health of the newspaper industry around the country and the impact newspapers can have for the public good.

One of the arguments we put forth was that newspapers traditionally have been more than purveyors of information, that throughout our history, they have played an important role in bringing people together and building community. In that role, we said, they have fostered civic debate, but as a conversation among neighbors, not enemies.

As a sidelight to all of that, we asked the crowd about today's polarized environment. Has any other time in your life been as polarized as this one? The answers were almost unanimously "no." A couple of people said the Civil War era probably was worse, but of course, none of us was alive back then.

One woman poignantly noted the difference between today and the divisions she lived through during the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War era, you had heated arguments, she said, but you didn't lose friendships and family relationships like you do today.

"I don't ever remember a time when I simply didn't discuss politics with friends. Because ... I don't want to lose their friendship."

Many heads nodded in response.