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Constructive language often yields constructive results

Ancient proverbs can be helpful in adjusting our language and behavior in ways that can benefit every generation. They have become ancient because they work. One example: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger “ (Proverbs 15:1). It means calm, patient and kind words can deescalate conflict, while harsh, angry responses provoke further rage. Try it sometime when you are in an argument with someone. Display humility, or say “I can see how you feel that way, but may I share my view?” The language we use to communicate with one another can heal or wound, ...

Chaos is the point of Trump’s war on immigrants

There’s something uncomfortably familiar about President Donald Trump’s jackboot approach to the immigration debate. It brings to mind a memorable off-the-cuff stumble by Chicago’s legendary late Mayor Richard J. Daley when he was asked about allegations of excessive force by city police officers. “The policeman isn’t there to create disorder,” he said. “The policeman is there to preserve disorder.” Say, what? Well, as Earl Bush, the mayor’s press secretary for 18 years, memorably advised reporters on another occasion, “Don’t write what the mayor says; write ...

Elliot Forhan not fit to serve in public office

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. People know themselves much better than you do. That’s why it’s important to stop expecting them to be something other than who they are.” — Maya Angelou “The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.” — Oscar Wilde Believe it or not, both of the above quotes can be applied to former state Rep. Elliot Forhan, an attorney and Democrat candidate for Ohio attorney general. If Forhan’s name sounds familiar, it’s probably because he makes news, often for the wrong reasons. ...

Trump can’t stop backing down

Does it sometimes seem as though too many people have never learned the lessons of the schoolyard? If you capitulate to a bully, you will be bullied forever. If you stand up to him, he will back down. What’s true on the playground is also true in the office, in politics and in international relations. Standing up to bullies is not free of risk. You might get bloodied in the process. But afterward, the bully, having learned that there is a price, will hesitate to push you around, whereas if you fail to stand up to him, he will grow ever more menacing. All of the bowing and scraping ...

The left and right are misguided over death of Alex Pretti

On Jan. 24, federal border patrol agents shot and killed progressive protester Alex Pretti in Minnesota. After his death, a video surfaced from a week earlier where Pretti had spat on border patrol agents and violently kicked an agent’s car. Some on the right are, through implication, suggesting Pretti got what he deserved. Some on the left suggest agents killed Pretti as an act of revenge. Both views are wrong. We know that Pretti died after being disarmed by border patrol agents. It was a tragedy. It did not have to happen. We also know that Pretti’s gun did not ...

No easy way to figure out property tax woes in Ohio

When he spoke to journalists from across Ohio earlier this week, Gov. Mike DeWine took a prudent approach to the idea some have proposed that property taxes should be eliminated in the state. After all, elected officials who call themselves conservatives have a certain obligation to help their constituents keep as much of their money in their pockets as possible. However, they also have an obligation to lead in a way that serves everyone. “Those who favor (eliminating property taxes) owe it to the people of the state to say, ‘How is my local police department going to get paid? ...