Opinion: Choose respect over rancor

Commentary by Jeff Worrell

Lately, I’ve been seeing and hearing about the rising tide of hyper-partisanship, both nationally and in everyday conversations. Hyper-partisanship is about extreme loyalty or adherence to a specific group, ideology or viewpoint at the expense of open-mindedness and collaboration. It’s this troubling trend that compels me to write about its impact on civility and our community.

Civility is the glue that holds our society together. It allows us to disagree without dehumanizing, to debate without destroying. Yet, hyper-partisanship often pushes us to see the “other side” as an enemy rather than a neighbor. This mindset erodes the very foundation of our community.

Here in Carmel, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example. Our city is known for its innovation and striving for excellence. These values can guide us in fostering a culture of civility. It starts with listening — truly listening — to those with whom we disagree. It continues with finding common ground, whether it’s a shared love for our city or a mutual desire to improve our schools and parks.

Hyper-partisanship might be a national issue, but civility is a local solution. By choosing respect over rancor, we can ensure that Carmel remains a beacon of unity in a divided world. Let’s rise above the noise and do what we do — lead by example.