When I first began this little column writing enterprise I made a promise to myself, and a pledge to readers, that I wouldn’t add another voice to the political discourse, be it local or beyond. Another two cents’ worth we don’t need.

What I am willing to discuss, however, is the process. Not my views in support of or opposition to any candidates, political parties or issues of the day,

It just seems to me that if we love our country, and truly believe in not only the right but the need for a really democratic marketplace for a genuine diversity of viewpoints, some wouldn’t be so quick to condemn those who think differently.

You and I know there are those, both elected and nonoffice holders, who often viciously attack any and all who aren’t in agreement with them.

Some impugn others’ motives, and even their patriotism and faith positions. What hubris. What egregious disregard for the democratic process. What a mockery of a nation that should pride itself as an example of a true free enterprise of ideas.

Disagree with me, but don’t denigrate me. Show just a little civility and common decency even as you oppose me. This I say, not just to individuals, but to political parties. Stop the negative attacks. Tell us what you believe; don’t try to tear down those who may see things differently. This is America, for goodness’ sake. We are supposed to celebrate our right to free expression.

What idealistic nonsense you spout, some will surely say. Well, they’re half right. It’s idealistic … but it’s not nonsense.

Will this ever change? Probably not. Some, at least tacitly, approve a mean-spirited, purely partisan approach. This is a shame č a real shame č because we are, should be, a better people.

We can do better.

Will we? Will we battle the dark angels in our nature, and try, really try, to embody and evince the best of those characteristics of our faith tradition?

Do we really believe we are all brothers and sisters?

Do we really – truly č╩believe that which is laid out for us in the Beatitudes?

Well … history tells us we probably won’t and don’t. Not that we can’t, but that we won’t.

I do apologize, my readers and friends, for this less than sanguine outlook.

And … I will try not to wade into such dark waters again.

On a positive note (a pun?), I think we all know and love that wonderful anthem “America the Beautiful.” Recall with me these lines:

“America, America. God shed his grace on thee. And crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.”

Isn’t that – “brotherhood” – what it should all be about?