Dear Editor,

I discuss politics often with individuals in and out the Ohio Valley and find that many of those who oppose conservative positions, those of which I embrace, have no compunction about tossing out insults, particularly on social media.

Of course, I give as good as I get. But the thing is, I understand the left’s desires on issues like gun control, abortions, trans rights, tax the rich-and so on. I understand where they are coming from, it’s just I don’t agree. However, those with whom I “discuss” these issues don’t care to take the time to understand a conservative’s point of view. Instead, they cast out mindless invectives not necessarily to make a point, but perhaps to shock one into their way of thinking. In all honesty, I’m not sure what their motive is except maybe to hear themselves. The funny part is that they use a sanctimonious tone to accuse those like me of lacking civility. But ever since I can remember, those on the left have demonstrated that they don’t care what conservatives have to say and moreover don’t want to hear it. But they certainly want to be heard.

I have tried in vain to reach people on the left, to reason, to compromise, they’re not interested. So to conservatives of the Ohio Valley, I say step it up, talk the talk, walk the walk, and don’t back down. But the way for conservatives to fight back is to demonstrate their superior intelligence by learning depth of the issues and using it to bulldoze over the left’s fear-based, fact-barren arguments but with compassion for the individual. Remember, you are their superior. However, don’t rely on that or your gifted insight; learn the history of each topic, the law, Constitution, the economics, cultural impact, and the opposition’s position so you can counter with rational responses to what you know they are going to say.

There are certain omnipresent issues like voting rights and abortions. Counterarguments to these are easy. But still, read, study and create your own dialogue since you know what the opposition are going to say, and practice that dialogue. Be bold. Each week also seems to present a new outrage. Spend time researching and learning about those from a conservative’s perspective because mainstream media will assuredly present the leftist’s perspective ad nauseam. There is no dearth of leftist arguments from mainstream media since they have little regard for journalistic integrity. The President has repeatedly suggested that we are in a culture war for the soul of our country, he’s right but for the wrong reasons.

Philip A Parenti

Mount Pleasant