I agree with Ellen Field’s letter (Nov. 30) regarding a frequent contributor of letters to the editor. I have to admit, though, I’ve written many partisan letters that came from left of center.

I always try to keep in mind that it is important to protect everyone’s freedom of speech. The First Amendment protects ignorance and second-rate speakers, regardless of the direction they come from.

Perhaps people could try to look at things from both sides of an issue, and stick more to the facts. I’ll start now by promising to own what I write with “I statments,” and respecting other people’s boundaries.

Let’s try to think gray, instead of black-and-white.

As a progressive, whom some would call a liberal, I think it is easier for me to do this sort of thing. By definition, it’s easier for a progressive thinker to reason things out than it is for a conservative. Conservatives like what they have now, even if it’s killing them.

Oops, there I go, taking a little dig at my right-wing brethren. Maybe it will be more difficult than it looks to respect a point of view that I feel continues to sink this country.

There, at least I used an “I statement.” Maybe I can be nice when I feel compelled to tell the Thomas Shields of the world that they have it wrong on just about everything.

Michael Johnson, Windham