I write in response to Mary Jane Newell’s letter (Feb. 25), in which she refers to Democrats as rioters, rabble-rousers and idiots.

Although she and I are about as politically opposite as any two people can be, we both live in the great United States — probably within 15 miles of each other — and we are allowed, even encouraged, to hold and express our differing opinions.

I will say, though, that my parents, my grandmother, my Sunday school teachers and my public school teachers all taught me that name-calling is rude and hurtful.

It is time for people, as human beings and responsible citizens, to stop the side-show antics and sit down with one another, peacefully. I am sure I could find commonalities with Newell. I love my country. I believe slavery was awful, even though I have ancestors who fought for it. I also have ancestors who fought in the American Revolution. I wonder what they would have said to each other?

I believe in the Golden Rule. I hope Ms. Newell does, too. I do not want to call her names. I want to understand why she is calling me names when we have never met.

My goal is to live peacefully with my fellow humans, showing respect to all creatures and the environment, without hate or oppression. I wonder what Ms. Newell has for goals. Perhaps we should try talking.

Nancy Hohmann, Norway