Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 28, 1995                   TAG: 9504280030
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

LOUD AND ANGRY VOICES?

In the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, President Clinton has spoken out against what he called a "climate of hatred" that poisons public discourse in America. In particular, he criticized "the loud and angry voices" that he said inflame public opinion with a "relentless clamor of hatred and division."

Many interpreted that to be an attack on conservative talk-radio hosts, or conservatives in general, although Clinton later called on citizens to stand up against "reckless speech" no matter where it comes from, "from the left or the right, whether it comes from radio, television or movies."

This isn't the first time the president has attempted to start a national conversation over the tone of America's public discourse; but it is the first time he's succeeding in getting citizens talking about the language of our political life.

What do you think?

WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAID

"We hear so many loud and angry voices in America today whose sole goal seems to be to try to keep some people as paranoid as possible and the rest of us all torn up and upset with each other.

"We know that words have consequences. And so I say to you, even as we defend the right of people to speak freely and to say things with which we devoutly disagree, we must stand up and speak out against reckless speech that can push fragile people over the edge beyond the boundaries of civilized conduct to take this country into a dark place."

WHAT OTHERS SAY

"There is a huge difference between dissent and hate."

- talk-show host Rush Limbaugh

"I am absolutely certain the harsh rhetoric of the Gingriches and the Doles . . . creates a climate of violence in America."

- columnist Carl Rowan

"I don't feel like I'm fueling the lunatic fringe. I do not stoke the flames of intolerance."

- talk-show host G. Gordon Liddy

"It tends to encourage us vs. them thinking. It encourages easy solutions to problems and the demonization of enemies. It's just a question of degree."

- Stephen Reese, University of Texas journalism professor on the anti-government rhetoric of many talk shows.

EXAMPLES OF "HARSH" SPEECH?

"The only way you're ever going to get rid of [Ohio Sen. Howard] Metzenbaum is when you're finally at a point that you can stand over there, put the dirt on top of the box and say 'I'm pretty sure he's in there.'"

- Colorado talk-show host Chuck Baker

"Let's enjoy knocking their soft teeth down their whiny throats."

- Gov. George Allen, exhorting Republicans at the 1994 state convention.

"Do they practice choice? No. They are the same people that would stand in front of a health care facility and deny a young woman her choice in her life and they would even resort to violence to deny that choice.''

- Del. Richard Cranwell, describing supporters of |a school-choice proposal before the General Assembly.

"I am running against the most radical ideologue, the most extreme candidate Virginia has seen in our lifetime."

- Lt. Gov. Don Beyer, describing his opponent, Mike Farris, in their 1993 campaign.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

What do you think about the tone and content of public discourse these days? Is public discourse too mean-spirited, or merely free-spirited?

Is there speech that is so strident that it should be considered "out of bounds" in public discourse or does that infringe on freedom of speech?

What do you consider "reckless speech" to be? Are "loud and angry voices" a good thing or a bad thing for society?

Think about public life lately that's closer to home, in the community, in the state: Has the tone and content of public discourse you've heard lately helped to forge consensus, or led to division? Is consensus on public issues something to be valued, or is it overrated?

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

This year will be Virginia's busiest campaign year. This fall, Virginians will elect all 140 members of the General Assembly, plus scores of local officials. Think about what kind of public discourse you'd like to see in those campaigns.

What kind of limits on the tone and content of their speech, if any, do you think the campaigns should respect?

What can you as a citizen do to foster a climate conducive to the kind of public discourse you'd like to see in the campaigns?

What can we as a newspaper do?

We'd like to start a community conversation on the tone of public discourse. Let us know what you think; we'll publish many of your responses in a future issue.

HOW TO RESPOND

WRITE us at Loud and Angry Voices?, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010.

PHONE 981-3119 or (800) 346-1234, extension 119 and leave a message.

FAX 981-3346, and mark your fax "attention: voices."

E-MAIL us at RoaTimesinfi.net

Please include your name, address and phone number.

Deadline: Tuesday.