We are all impacted by the world around us...

Why can’t we be tolerant and respectful even whilst we disagree?

The definition of tolerance, per the Oxford Dictionary, is the ability or willingness to allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of something that one does not necessarily like or agree with without interference.

With everything in the news these days, I have struggled with activities occurring in our country surrounding intolerance and even worse intimidation and potential violence against others. While I understand the emotion involved with the issues and actions taking place in this world, I do not accept that our community, based on democracy and freedom, cannot tolerate others with polarizing views without engaging in inexcusable behavior. Violence and intimidation are not the answer to disagreements (especially) when the issues at hand include violence against others. How can those actions even be close to acceptable and tolerated behavior? I am hopeful that if most of the community condemns these behaviors that they will come to an end. Always the optimist, but what other way is there to think at these unsettling times.