Last week’s election, particularly the race for Indianola school board, became rather heated. With the souls of our children at stake, this is very understandable. In the tussle, some were accused of being “bullies”. But bullies wear many masks. And the oldest trick in the book is to yell, “FIRE!”, as you’re lighting the match.
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Let me first state at the outset that I’m in favor of civil, courteous dialogue amongst people who disagree with each other, especially on the local level. I want to be able to have polite conversations with my liberal friends and neighbors. (This would be a good time to thank all the civil, fair-minded liberals in Warren County. Thanks!) But such dialogue must involve good faith and an honest articulation of one’s position.
Much of the hubbub involved Bradi Darrah and some questions she was asked. Some questions she pointedly refused to answer. Others she answered, but in a way that didn’t actually explain her position. If honesty is vital to open dialogue, then such answers have the effect of slamming the door in a person’s face. It is not necessary to speculate about Ms. Darrah’s motives. They may have been as pure as snow. But the actual effect was that voters did not know where she stood on many issues that were important to them. Moreover, they felt their concerns were dismissed.
When some local conservatives began to point out that the door had been slammed in their face, Darrah’s supporters and co-belligerents began showing up in mass to throw out accusations against those who had raised the questions. We were told that it was a “smear campaign” and “bullying”.
Lost in all the yelling was the fact that most of the questions were valid inquiries about policies that directly touch the Indianola school board. Voters have the right, and even the responsibility, to ask questions of the candidates.
I’m willing to be corrected, but I have yet to see anyone call Ms. Darrah nasty names and yell insults at her. The debate has been over her positions. Perhaps the problem is with those positions, not with those who are questioning those positions.
I admit that my vision is limited. I admit that individuals on my side could be capable of nastiness. But, from where I sit, all the bullying is coming from one direction. Accusing inquisitive voters of launching a “smear campaign” is, in fact, a smear campaign. Unjustly calling people names (like “bully”) is, in fact, bullying. And it is the worst kind, because it assumes an aura of self-righteousness and moral superiority.
Where do we go from here? Darrah won a seat on the school board. Everyone must accept that. But, we can create an environment in which conversations are welcomed instead of being shot down or maligned.
In order for true civil dialogue to flourish in our community, voters must be allowed to ask pointed and even difficult questions without being told they’re bullies and liars. If you value civility, then think twice before thoughtlessly accusing your neighbors of being bullies. You just might be describing yourself.
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