Share your opinions; hold the rancor

The political landscape of Alaska has been forever changed with Gov. Sarah Palin’s vice presidential nomination, on that we can likely all agree. Based on all of the comments posted on our Web site since Palin’s introduction to America, that’s about the only thing everyone will likely be able to agree on.

It’s not a secret that I support Sarah Palin, support that hails back to her time as Wasilla’s mayor. It may surprise some, however, to know that Sarah and I don’t necessarily share the same views on all of the issues.

Although I don’t profess to know how Sarah has voted, she has given the impression she’s been pretty true to the Republican Party. I, on the other hand, have been known to vote for Democrats and Independents, along with Republicans, ever since I cast my first vote nearly 30 years ago. I believe we should elect the best person to represent us, regardless of party affiliation. I believe we have some bright and articulate Republicans, Democrats and Independents working hard for the people who elected them. On the flip side, we have some whose election victories leaves me shaking my head in amazement.

I count among my friends many Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike. The common thread we share is the respect we have for our differing ideals. Unfortunately, many of the people posting on our Web site recently have shown they are much less tolerant of opposing views.

While intolerance is rooted in our history (think segregation and the Salem witch trials), constructive debate and diversity are the cornerstones this country was built on. I like to believe we’ve progressed through the generations to a point where thoughtful and respectful debate paves the way for real solutions. I guess that’s why I find it disheartening to see so many posters resort to name-calling, and worse, when they disagree with another’s views.

What a boring world we would live in if everyone shared the same philosophies. Diversity and the ability to freely express your viewpoint are fundamental principles that make this nation so great.

When we step into the booth on Election Day, we tend to cast our vote for the candidate that most closely matches our values and shares our vision of what defines our communities. For the most part, candidates run for office because they believe they can make a difference and leave their community, state or nation a better place for future generations. How they define improvement is generally where the parties differ, and that thinking doesn’t make them evil, stupid, vile or wrong if they don’t happen to share your values.

This newspaper will always encourage healthy debate and fight fiercely for your freedom to openly share your opinions with others. While this message will likely be lost to those who need it most, I am compelled to say it anyway:

We encourage your thoughtful comments on our Web site and welcome letters to the editor in our newspaper, regardless whether or not you agree with what is written. We encourage you to express your views and explain why you don’t agree with another. We encourage you to challenge us or other writers. But, most of all, we encourage you to offer solutions and be respectful of diversity in opinions, and leave the name calling out of it.

Kari Sleight has been the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman’s publisher since 1997.