Opinions Column For Daily Toreador

1. Evan Ray
Opinions
10/12
Why the Refusal to Find Compromise is Creating Political Unrest
The Presidential election is closing in, and with it comes political participation. It seems more
and more people are getting involved in politics both as responsible citizens and political
activists. Typically, when this happens, a person will do research and figure out that their morals,
beliefs and ideas tend to align with a specific political party, and will be likely to vote for
candidates of that same party. These morals and beliefs are critical to have when forming
opinions on topics and issues, however, the refusal to keep an open mind or find middle ground
between opposing sides leads to a toxic political mindset, in this columnists opinion.
When all or majority of your political standings are similar to this, it creates a huge problem. No
one is perfect, and there most likely isn’t a “perfect” solution to the problems we see with our
country. Conversations between opposing, slightly different and even people of the same
opinions or thoughts are important. However, these conversations are only valuable so long as
people try their best to attempt to understand other peoples reasoning, standing and point of
view. They must try to reason their point as well clearly and effectively without either side acting
unprofessional. Insults, belittling and other personal attacks will quickly devolve a conversation
into a bitter argument, and if any understanding or agreement was to come out of this dialogue, it
most certainly isn’t happening now. As Humans, we may very easily take things said to heart and
act out of a place of emotion, and while this could be a good thing by making us appear
passionate and caring, it could also make use appear angry and annoying.
It is important to keep in mind that many people have a political mindset where they refuse to
budge, and that’s alright. There are many important topics and issues where we might feel cannot

2. Evan Ray
Opinions
10/12
find a compromise in. These issues can be anything from crucial medical care policies (that
many have personal ties to) or social justice concerns (that many feels are basic human rights). It
is very possible that not everyone will be agreeing in consensus on any topics, and that’s alright.
The best thing we can do is explain ourselves in the best way possible and attempt to understand
where other folks may be coming from.
Notice the choice of wording, “understand” and not agree. As previously said, we won’t always
agree with everyone other people have to say, but if we can at least come to understand others,
we’ve already made a big step in finding some sort of compromise, even if it doesn’t come soon.
We all deserve a level of respect to each other, and when it comes to expressing political
thoughts, we must retain and even higher level of respect. Ending a dialogue with an
understanding of each other can show great amounts of respect and can’t hurt the case you are
trying to make.
The political field is a very mentally taxing and trying area, as it always has been. Its not hard to
get swept away in frustration of it all. If we ever hope to change the toxic political attitudes
going on, there must be a change in how every single individual acts. Show the respect that
maybe you weren’t given, attempt to understand the point of the person you completely disagree
with. It would be foolish to expect immediate results, but if done on a large scale for a long
period of time, it is this columnists opinion that we might achieve more progress in both
government and in our own communities.

3. Evan Ray
Opinions
10/12
SuggestedTweet:
This year has been very busy in politics. Are we approaching it with the right mindsets? Be sure
to read the latest opinion column on why there is so much political unrest!