WTF happened to this column-its all political crap. It was much better covering shit that doesn't matter like lindsay lohan and britney spears.

I normally agree with the content of these posts, but I think the tone of this particular column (specifically commenting on the April 3rd summary) is problematic. This might even be a symptom of a larger problem in our partisan society where we constantly lambast the “otherness” of folks with different viewpoints. We need to listen and understand how people think to be able to solve some real problems. I understand the desire to unapologetically state opinions. I realize that there are times where agitation is necessary to achieve change. Some issues require that level of response. However, we shouldn’t always paint with such broad strokes when discussing current issues. Categorizing someone as “stupid, and wrong” without giving proper context is unfair and unhelpful.

Yes, it was a poor choice of words to say this was a case of “brainwashing,” but we should at least give credence to his or her position. I am not a Republican, but I do think teachers got carried away with the March student walkout because teachers led first graders to partake in the march. While I agree with the march, I think that sort of a thing should be voluntary, and I wouldn’t appreciate it very much if my young child was coerced into marching for something that I disagree with. A first grader is not old enough to understand what’s happening. Is this brainwashing? No, but it’s not a good precedent to set with young moldable minds. I think the important thing is that this issue is not cut-and-dry. It can be debated, and that debate should be respectful.

It is easy to point to the tea party and those consuming fox news as all part of an “echo chamber,” where people just hear what they want to hear. It’s becoming just as much of a problem on the left and I don’t think anyone wants to admit it. Failing to try and address the heart behind other perspectives, and demeaning it as straight-up stupid, does not come across as good editorial. It looks lazy and sensational, and I think readers would appreciate more depth. We can and should do better.