Civil debate is needed

Over the past several weeks, I have refrained from contributing to the Readers' Forum, believing my voice would be drowned out by the avalanche of vicious letters criticizing President Barack Obama and his policies. However, Frederick Anderson's letter (June 26) pushed me over the edge. According to Mr. Anderson, Obama is "… an angry man … He disdains America and everything it stands for … he wants to punish Americans by dispassionately imposing Marxism and socialism on us."

Where does all this hate and fear come from?

Why can't we have a civil debate on public policy issues without all the name-calling?

Progressive Democrats who believe in prudent intervention from the federal government to help the economy and a badly broken health-care system are not Marxists, socialists or communists. They are your friends and neighbors and love their country just as much as right-wing conservatives. Democrats believe that government can be a positive influence in the lives of the American people. Obama is furthering this legacy. I, for one, wish him the very best.

David Lowry

Holladay