Is A Little Tolerance Too Much To Ask?

So it's been a week since I offered the President a potential solution to our economic situation (see last week's blog) and what have I gotten in return? Nada, zip, bupkis. You'd think he or someone from the White House would have called or written. Not like I was expecting Air Force One to show up (Actually, I thought they'd send a smaller jet, something more discrete.), but an e-mail or, hey, a text, would have been nice. An insincere "thank you for your ideas and concern". A "we're having our people at the GAO take a look at the feasibility of your ideas". A "we're too busy to get back to you in any meaningful way". Even a "interesting notion; please keep others to yourself" would have been appreciated.

But to have not replied at all, to have done nothing? I'm disappointed, Mr. President. Very disappointed. Even so, I'll give you another week.

Speaking of disappointment, let's consider three news items from last week, all connected by a common thread:

• A mosque near Ground Zero in New York City. You've hopefully followed the story of a plan to build a mosque near the site of the Trade Towers in Manhattan. Not on Ground Zero, as protesters would have you believe, but nearby. The Mayor of New York and the President have both stated that the site of the Trade Towers is considered hallowed ground. They've also stated, Obama eloquently, that building a mosque, no matter how close to Ground Zero, is what this country is about: Freedom of religion. Regardless, this is a highly-charged, emotionally-laden topic for many. While both sides argue passionately, I wonder where tolerance has gone.
  

• The repeal of California's Prop 8. Last week, U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker overturned the vote that outlawed same-sex marriage in the state of California. In his sweeping 136-page decision, he wrote "The evidence shows conclusively that moral and religious views form the only basis for a belief that same-sex couples are different from opposite-sex couples. These interests do not provide a rational basis for supporting Proposition 8." The topic of marriage is, to be sure, an emotional powder keg which has already been ignited. Equal rights on one side of the argument, protection of traditional marriage on the other. Again, while both sides argue passionately, I wonder where tolerance has gone.

• Steven Slater. As you certainly know, this is the Jet Blue flight attendant who, having had enough of at least one rude passenger, swore over the public address system, deployed the emergency chute, grabbed a couple of beers from the galley and exited the plane via the slide. In the process becoming a folk hero of sorts and creating an adult version of a children's game soon to be marketed as Chutes & Lagers. (Okay. I made up the last part.) While his actions may or may not have been cool -- passengers of that flight are now coming forward saying that Steven was testy before the flight departed -- the question remains: Where is the tolerance? Both on the part of the rude passenger and, of course, on Slater's part?

And therein lies my disappointment: The lack of tolerance. The inability and/or unwillingness to discuss emotional issues with some civility and, possibly, resolve them. The unwillingness of many to co-exist with those who hold opposing views. The belief that one's personal viewpoint is somehow superior to those held by others.

It's as if many believe that this town, so to speak, is not big enough for both of us -- and it's you who has to go. Which, if true, is disappointing. And wrong.

Intolerance is a killer. It perpetuates divisiveness. It breeds contempt. It tears the very fabric that defines a community. Unfortunately, it's also a very human trait.

The mosque will be built. Same-sex marriage will be legalized. Rude people will always exist. Our Constitution ensures all three. It's how we deal with these issues -- during and afterward -- that will determine our ability to move forward as a sane and mature society.