GUEST COLUMN, J Basil Dannebohm, Rollins School of Public Health

 

There’s a Japanese proverb that says, “One kind word can warm three winter months.” If the rhetoric of recent days is any indication, we’re in for a frigid winter.

Recently, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, co-hosts of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, shocked viewers when they chose to “restart communications” with Donald Trump. Since 2020, Morning Joe has been less about “news” per se and more about relentless attacks on the 47th President of the United States. Referring to Mr. Trump as a “fascist” and comparing him to Hitler was music to the ears of their far-left audience. When Scarborough informed viewers of the Mar-a-Lago meeting, Morning Joe got iced.

Rival network CNN alleged the meeting was called because of retaliation threats posed by the incoming administration. That’s rich considering CNN is hardly the poster child of fair and impartial journalism. Byron York, chief political correspondent for the Washington Examiner, tweeted, “Annals of shamelessness: They call Trump a fascist, and much, much more, and then, just 22 days after his ‘Nazi-like’ rally, they fly to Florida for an audience.”

The criticisms from CNN and York paled in comparison to the court of public opinion who took to X (formally Twitter) to air their grievances.

“Imagine being a liberal and listening to Morning Joe and Mika tell you for years that Trump is a threat to democracy … Then one morning you wake up and hear Comrade Mika admit that they bent the knee to Trump,” one disgruntled viewer tweeted.

The next day, Scarborough defended the decision to meet with the president-elect saying, “All of us are going to do the best we can do, and we’re all working towards a better America.”

He continued by pointing out what he said was a “massive disconnect” between “social media and the real world.”

Good morning, Joe. You finally noticed it, eh? Take it from me, Mr. Scarborough, most people aren't loyal to you. They’re loyal to their need of you. Once their needs change, so does their loyalty. Similarly, most people find anger addictive because it makes their egos feel righteous, justified or victimized. Pointing a finger at somebody else is much easier than examining one's own shadows.

If you’re a gambler, it’s probably a safe bet that Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski have been what the left affectionately refer to as “cancelled.”

The reality is something we registered Independents have known for years: neither side wants to “work toward a better America.” Rather, the far left and the far right alike seek an America that conforms entirely to their respective agendas. Anything less is wholly unacceptable. The days of statesmanship, give-and-take, and bipartisanship are long gone. As the late Senator Joseph Lieberman observed, “It is the partisan polarization of our politics which prevents us from making the principled compromises on which progress in a democracy depends.”

Dr. Michael R. Liebowitz, a Columbia University psychiatrist and founder of the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the New York State Psychiatric Institute noted, “It is easy to win people over by an appeal to their anger, hatred, and fear. It is more difficult to win them over by appealing to their reason, optimism, and hope. Still, it is much better to take the latter route."

That becomes increasingly difficult as anti-intellectualism steadily becomes a pandemic in our nation. I’ve taken blows from both sides of the political spectrum. When I urged people to stop clutching their pearls over the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, my inbox was peppered with hate mail from “do as I say, not as I do” Christians and virtue signaling conservatives. Pointing out the hypocrisy of the hyper-woke, radical left inevitably meets the same fate.

There’s a line in the much-anticipated theatrical release of Wicked wherein the Wizard of Oz states, “The best way to bring folks together is to give them a real good enemy.”

But what about when the perceived “enemy” is half the nation? How do “folks” heal from such a dangerous divide?

Communication – listening, not just hearing, is imperative – even if it makes us uncomfortable. People who can't communicate think everything's an argument; and people who lack accountability think everything is an attack. As Kierkegaard observed, “People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought, which they seldom use."

All aboard the Polar-ization Express! At the rate we’re going, this is indeed going to be a very long, very cold winter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR — J. Basil Dannebohm is a writer, speaker, consultant, former legislator and intelligencer. His website is www.dannebohm.com. He writes from the Washington DC metro in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

2815 comments

  • Securing lowest price albendazole can be a breeze when you know where to look.

    In need of an antibiotic treatment? Get your dose easily doxycycline every day . Available for immediate purchase, ensuring you receive the medication promptly.

    Considering urgent antibiotic requirements, acquiring https://littlestabstudios.com/doxycycline/ online provides an expedited solution.

    You can obtain your clonidine online, providing a convenient way to manage hypertension.
  • Navigating the vast online world for authentic ayurvedic solutions? Look no further. Discover authentic ayurvedic remedies at nizagara 100mg . Purchase with confidence for all your natural wellness needs.

    Need to manage irregular periods? Discover your solution with cialis 5mg . Explore options to secure this vital treatment through the web.

    X-plore affordable solutions for your health needs and acquire https://oliveogrill.com/item/propecia/ online.
  • Obtaining best generic tadalafil online has never been simpler. Secure this essential treatment without the need to leave your house.

    Quickly secure your ranitidine , a trusted source for managing Parkinson's disease symptoms.

    For those seeking relief from gastrointestinal discomfort, considering the latest https://pittmanchiro.com/pill/tadalafil/ could offer a budget-friendly solution.
  • Boost your potency with where to buy lasix , a delectable solution. Enhance your performance by choosing this delicious option that promises rapid effects.

    Secure your purchase for isotretinoin price bangkok via our website and enjoy enhanced health.

    Purchase your medications with ease; buy your pharmaceuticals online at https://computer-filerecovery.net/product/xenical-best-price/ , ensuring reliability and ease.

    Your search for effective medication ends here; discover the best deals to acquire amoxicillin 650mg safely on the internet.
  • Visit our website to secure your supply of tadalafil canada , ensuring economical therapy options.

    If you're in the market for an effective remedy to combat bacterial infections, ponder lowest price amoxicillin . This medication is well-known for its efficacy against numerous types of bacteria.

    Get your amoxil easily from https://basicpurity.com/generic-amoxicillin-lowest-price/ , providing swift delivery to fulfill your healthcare needs.

    Access genuine kamagra to buy easily. Acquire this vital drug online seamlessly.
  • X-plore the myriad benefits of Amoxil for bacterial infections. Whether you're seeking to buy for your personal health needs, amoxicillin en ligne online can be a seamless process.

    Having trouble finding a reliable source for your antibiotic needs? Your search ends here. Obtain canadian pharmacy for amoxil 250mg safely and quickly.

    Zapping tuberculosis requires effective medication. Find affordable treatment options; https://carolinahealthclub.com/drugs/tadalafil/ are available online.
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a challenging condition, but with modern therapies, managing it has become easier. Explore fast shipping of cialis , a cost-effective and trustworthy option for enhancing your sexual health.

    Many are looking for trustworthy solutions for erectile dysfunction, and cialis pills provides a proven option.

    You can obtain your https://parkerstaxidermy.com/product/lasix/ effortlessly through our web platform, ensuring you continue your health effortlessly and efficiently.

    Receive your medication promptly by choosing to buy price of vidalista .
  • Considering a demand for affordable medications, you can now order cialis 20 mg , a preferred choice for those seeking cost-effective calcium supplementation.

    Maximize your health benefits by exploring the rate of retin a on line , renowned for its heart supportive properties. Buy it now to improve your heart health.

    Looking for a trusted source to acquire your medication? Check out https://myhealthincheck.com/prednisone-buy-in-canada/ for a wide range of pharmaceutical products.

    Obtain the solution for hair loss by clicking here: strattera 25mg . Secure it now for optimal results.
  • Browse choices for cost-effective ventolin , ensuring you get the most favorable rates for your health needs.

    Maximize your health with discount nizagara , the one-stop destination for all your medical needs. Locate numerous options to improve your wellbeing today.

    Secure your health with ease; acquire https://endmedicaldebt.com/product/nizagara-com/ for your heart needs online.

    Seek optimal offers for increasing your stamina with prednisone on internet . Buy on the web for peak savings.
  • Get your prednisone without rx here, ensuring cardiovascular health is prioritized efficiently and securely.

    Keep your well-being at its peak with lisinopril generic , offering a wide range of medical products. Improve your lifestyle today.

    Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a challenging condition, but with modern treatments, managing it has become easier. Consider https://center4family.com/20-mg-cialis/ , a budget-friendly and trustworthy option for enhancing your sexual health.

    Purchase your good site to buy ed sample pack 2 on our website to guarantee you obtain top-notch medication with ease.
  • Acquire the crucial treatment seamlessly lowest priligy prices .

    Purchase your crucial eye drop solutions buy tretinoin cialis online canada , ensuring prompt relief from irritation.

    With various online platforms available, it's never been easier to https://bulgariannature.com/item/prednisone-without-dr-prescription/ . Whether you're seeking to buy medication with convenience, our platform offers a seamless and secure shopping experience.

    Quickly acquire your medications with convenience by choosing to order viagra .
  • Just discovered? Looking to buy your medication with ease and convenience? flomax buy in canada offers a seamless solution for obtaining your needs virtually.

    Discover inexpensive options to control epilepsy with pharmacy capsules , now available online.

    You can find effective solutions for baldness without breaking the bank. Explore the https://bulgariannature.com/retin-a-com/ for economical options.
  • Discover secure and convenient ways to acquire your medication. where to buy vidalista today for a trouble-free experience in managing your health needs.

    Access cost-effective ventolin walmart price for managing thyroid issues and ensure you’re getting quality treatment.

    When looking to enhance your vitality, consider opting for https://andrealangforddesigns.com/sildenafil/ , a reliable choice. Available for purchase via the internet, this option promises improved efficacy.
  • Questioning where to find relief for seasonal allergies? Look no further! on line pharmacy offer an answer for those suffering by sneezing, itching, and congestion. Buy yours immediately for fast results.

    You can reduce expenses on your blood pressure medication by utilizing atenolol for sale .

    Unlock the potential to fight against scabies and head lice with a simple click. Order your https://exitfloridakeys.com/amoxicillin-650mg/ online for reliable treatment.

    Obtaining ventas de propecia via the internet offers a practical solution for accessing critical medication swiftly and efficiently.
  • Discover affordable options for erectile dysfunction by visiting cialis and homepage , where you can buy your medications conveniently.

    Zealously seeking a reliable source to acquire your pharmaceuticals from? Look no further; viagra offers a secure, discreet way to obtain what you need.

    Discover how to obtain your medications without hassle with https://pittmanchiro.com/pill/viagra/ , ensuring discretion and ease.

    Just unveiled: Get astonishing discounts on your next purchase with our exclusive generic cialis canada . Hurry, seize an incredible opportunity to save on pharmaceuticals.
  • Research the most cost-effective options for your treatment needs; find cytotec for managing leprosy.

    View the latest costs for managing your BPH symptoms with flomax best price , and explore a range of options to enhance your quality of life.

    Researching for a reliable source to obtain your medications? Look no further than https://helpo.org/product/stromectol/ . Secure your prescription drugs effortlessly.

    Ensure your heart health by opting for a preventative measure with prednisone 5mg , a key to maintaining cardiovascular wellness. Procure your treatment online.
  • Considering the escalating expenses associated with fertility treatments, finding economical solutions is crucial. Opt for generic clomid tablets to boost your journey to conceiving, available at competitive rates without compromising on quality or efficacy.

    Secure your health and save cash by exploring our tretinoin without a prescription canada , featuring a selection of high-quality solutions for improving men's health.

    Obtain affordable antiviral therapy https://productreviewtheme.org/drugs/nizagara/ , perfect for managing influenza symptoms and Parkinsonism.

    Explore the most recent advances in cardiovascular wellness by checking out order tadalafil here . Discover how to improve your well-being immediately.
  • Your quest for enhanced vitality and performance ends here: lowest price generic tadalafil . Acquire your supply immediately and welcome a new beginning.

    Regain control of your health by choosing to uk pharmacies cheap trazodone . With our service, you can acquire your needed treatment effortlessly from the comfort of your home.

    Get premium Human Growth Hormone supplements straight from https://bodymodorganics.net/pill/pharmacy-from-canada/ . Order now for enhanced wellness.

    In need of efficient HIV treatment? You can acquire nizagara online for a trustworthy and straightforward way to manage your health.

Comments are closed

The comments for this content have been closed automatically; it's been a while since it was published.

Pick a language

search

Sports

Squeaky Clean Weather report

Weather in Columbus

29th October, 2025 - 19:30
Moderate Rain
50°F 48°F min 51°F max
7:57 18:33
Humidity: 76 %
Wind: 12.7 mph North-East
Visibility: 32,808 ft

Kansas News

Feed not found.

Log in to comment