Fed Up With Attack Politics? Take Our Country Back With Our Words

Fed up with attack politics? Take Our Country Back with Our Words

As an old man, I remember a time when Americans, no matter their party, prayed for the leaders we elected. Whether we voted for him, her or not, we wanted him or her to succeed. Why? Because we understood that when a leader succeeds, the nation succeeds. That is not just patriotism—it is biblical. Romans 13:1 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”

Things have changed over my decades. “Speaking and thinking ill of another person, construing their actions in the worst possible way, gossiping and spreading rumors that harm the reputation of another person—these practices are so widespread among our contemporaries that they no longer attract our notice at all. Those practices have provoked a cynical disregard of human decency; they cultivate our suspicion of each other and our assumption that others are speaking ill of us behind our backs just as we are of them.

“An evil tongue is the practice of speaking about people rather than speak to them. It involves transforming a living, complex human being into a [cartoon character]—an object of evil, or [a pathetic creature], or a competition. In speaking ill of others, we participate in the dehumanization, initiating a process whose end is uncontainable.

“In this age of corrosive mistrust, a lack of confidence in our public leaders, and an alienating sense of loneliness and isolation, there is little hope of establishing real community until we learn to speak [hoping the best for all]—one of responsibility, kindness and compassion. By learning to channel and control our speech, we will transform our world from one of isolation and cynicism to one on community and trust.” Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson

What we need is not more outrage—we are drowning in it. What we need is discipline, humility, and compassion. We need people willing to speak in ways that heal, not harm. We need citizens who care more about solving problems than scoring points.

If you are sick of attack politics, do not add to the noise. Rise above it. Choose your words that matter, because they do. When you see a leader do something right, say so. When you see them stumble, offer honest, respectful critique—not character assassination. The truth is a calm, thoughtful voice is far more persuasive than an angry one. Constructive speech opens doors. Destructive speech slams them shut.

This is our country—yours and mine. It may not be perfect, but it remains the most extraordinary experiment in freedom, self-governance, and opportunity that the world has ever seen. Let us treat it with the dignity it deserves. Let us build it with our words, not break it with our bitterness.

America does not need more critics. It needs more builders. Be one of them.