It is interesting reading the comments people have added online to the various news stories and commentaries posted on bismarcktribune.com. However, the single biggest item that concerns me in reading these news stories and comments is the polarization that appears to grip the commentary.

Can it be that we do not take a moment to think about what our words will do when we click "send?" Words do send a message. Words reveal our thoughts and therefore have a type of energy or action associated with them. When our words are polarized, we lose the civility necessary to sustain our society.

Each of us has a valid perspective. No one has the only true perspective or the only correct answer to the situations and questions in life. If it were so easy to get it right, our politicians could do it. But it is not that easy.

Therefore it demands from us that we talk, discuss and listen to each other's points. It requires effort to have an open mind and be prepared to change a position. It is not easy to tolerate an opinion that is contrary to the basic beliefs inside. But that is freedom and democracy.

We do have a great country. We do have some significant problems. We do have the capacity to overcome the problems we face. But I do not believe we will overcome them with any sense of true united achievement as long as our conversations remain so polarized the civility is erased.