Slutzky vs. Thomas race bringing out the worst

The hallmark of mature citizens in a mature democratic society would be noticeable by several characteristics.

For one, these informed citizens would robustly debate pertinent issues at hand, also understanding the necessity of respecting other points of view no matter how disparate from their own. Secondly, they would be deeply committed to the preservation of the greater good, even to the sacrifice of personal desires. These citizens would vigorously practice the self-discipline of tolerance, empathy and patience. The high-water mark of any civilization would be a truly enlightened people conscious of the sacred that binds us all together.

Several letters have been published in The Daily Progress recently that have fallen far short of these ideals, in particular regarding the Albemarle County supervisor race between David Slutzky and Rodney Thomas.

Indeed, in the recent past Mr. Thomas has called Mr. Slutzky arrogant. Letters headlined “‘Berkeley East’ Slutzky too radical for Albemarle” (The Daily Progress, Oct. 18) and “Slutzky is attacking county landowners” (Oct. 19) have also stooped to call Mr. Slutzky names, including “comrade Slutzky.”

Enough, gentlemen. Engaged citizens debating issues while looking for common ground, remembering that first and foremost we are all Americans, strengthens our republic and its fragile democracy. Name-calling poisons the relationship that remains after elections, demeaning us all and fraying the fabric of our society.

I respectfully challenge these letter writers and all the citizens of our community, including myself, to step up to a higher spiritual level of discourse and collective unity.

The successful practice of our constitutional freedoms can succeed only if we are willing to exercise personal responsibility for judicious civil conduct toward one another. Therein lies the sacred creed of our forebears and this country that we cherish.