In the light of some of the sad behaviors and linguistic practices of some candidates for national office, as well as those of Maine’s governor, it is becoming more and more clear to me that “political crassness” is neither a worthy advancement nor a healthy substitute for “political correctness.”
I cannot understand how political crassness can lead to constructive problem-solving and productive, healthy community-building.
The crassness we’ve been experiencing lately on both local and national levels not only fosters spiritual violence to persons and cultures, but also furthers the continuing instability of organizations already sadly mired in unhealthy leadership practices.
What troubles me is that some possibly excellent and much-needed helpful ideas toward creative solution-seeking get lost in all the finger pointing, self-serving excuse-making and angry statements, which only serve to demean possible allies, opponents and out-of-control speakers alike.
Wouldn’t it be more constructive if, with a quiet and heartfelt sincerity rather than theatrical or tactical utterances, folks could honestly say: “I’m sorry. Now what can we do to work together actively to create an environment that fosters togetherness rather than divisiveness and separation?”
The Rev. Richard L. Bennett
Bridgton
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