Editorials / Opinions

“The greatest problem in the world today is intolerance. Everyone is so intolerant of each other.” ~ Princess Diana

Intolerance is usually thought of in broad terms such as intolerance of religion, race, gender, ethnicity, or beliefs. But it can also manifest itself in more subtle ways such as intolerance of one’s lifestyle, friends, spouse, appearance, goals, or desires.

Being the target of intolerance is, at the very least, unpleasant. When in this position, there is pressure to conform. Since being accepted is an innate desire, you can find yourself acting in a manner contrary to your own beliefs to avoid rejection.

Intolerance begins forming during childhood. Examples set by parents, lessons learned in school, the influence of friends, and the impact of the media are all contributing factors. Intolerance can become so ingrained that the intolerant person has no idea of its existence.

Intolerance has an even more extreme impact when one person or group attempts to force their beliefs on others. This results in violence and suffering. The intolerant person believes they are right while those with differing views are wrong.

Then there are those who have the misconception that they can force others to be tolerant. Although it may be well meaning, it is simply another form of intolerance. Tolerant behavior may be able to be encouraged through laws, but tolerant thoughts can not be imposed.

Although it’s not at all desirable, there will always be intolerant people. Rather than attempting the impossible task of trying to change other people, we can all look in the mirror to assess and reduce our own level of intolerance.

To restate the obvious, each person is unique with their own thoughts, beliefs, values, dreams, and desires. This is what creates diversity, which is one of the elements contributing to the strength of our nations. You don’t have to agree with, or like, someone else. You do have to respect their right to think and act any way they choose.

Diversity not only makes life rich and exciting, it’s essential for society to function. Who would do the jobs you don’t like if everyone thought and acted like you? It is truly a blessing that people have so many different interests and desires. We have such an incredible quality of life along with extraordinary technological developments because of the diverse makeup of our nation.

Tolerance begins by accepting people for who they are. You want to be accepted for who you are, so it’s only reasonable to reciprocate. Everyone reacts to life differently. Two people can experience the exact same event, at the same time, and yet each will have a unique perspective and emotions. Don’t make your beliefs a standard by which others should follow.

A simple reason to be tolerant is that intolerance doesn’t benefit you. Those who are intolerant tend to be angry, unhappy, and stressed out. Additionally, an attitude of intolerance repels the things you want while attracting undesirable circumstances.

When you are tolerant of others, and recognize the benefits of diversity, your own life will be enhanced. Your stress and frustration levels will drop. You will be happier and accomplish more by focusing your energy on your goals rather than criticizing others.

Intolerance is spread by example and so is tolerance. Let your attitude and actions be an inspiration to others.

Sincerely,

Bryan Golden

NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. Email Bryan at bryan@columnist.com or write him c/o this paper. © 2026 Bryan Golden

Why are Americans seeing so little of what is actually happening with our war in Iran? The press followed all our previous wars with reporters on the ground, images of the destruction and regular accounts of the human cost. In a democracy, the public cannot hold its leaders accountable for a war it cannot see or understand. When the government controls access and the press cannot independently verify what is actually happening in Iran, Democracy suffers. A free press isn't supposed to make war easier to wage, it's supposed to make it harder to hide. The Pentagon has imposed restrictions on journalists, including requiring escorts and restricting where reporters can go. In fact federal judge Paul Friedman ruled that the Pentagon's press restrictions violated the First and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution.

Restrictions to independent reporting on the Iran war should concern every American – regardless of political party. A free press is most important when our government is making decisions about war, human life and spending our tax dollars.

A democracy needs an informed public to judge whether a war is justified, whether it is succeeding and what it is costing. What was the objective when the war began? What has actually been achieved? What did the United States lose to accomplish it? And are we safer now than we were before the war?  The estimated total cost of the Iran War is around $115 billion. Gas, food, heating oil and manufacturing costs have increased. The war in Iran and the government’s restriction of information on the war matters enormously when Americans are being asked to accept the cost – in lives, money and consequences. Write to Congress and start asking questions. We matter, our dollars matter and what we are leaving to our children matters?

Sincerely,

Joan Reading, Union Dale, PA

When was the last time you paid zero taxes? Got a paycheck stub with no income tax or payroll taxes deducted? Deducted your gasoline costs as a business expense, since you drive your car to work every day? Had your boss send your check to a bank account in Malta or Ireland so you can say your money was earned there, not in the US, and claim their lower income tax rate? Made a large contribution to a politician who changed the tax code to your benefit?

Not a privilege we working-class folk have. These tax evasions are only available to the capital class and their corporations.

Tax avoidance, or evasion costs the United States north of $100 billion a year by companies finding ways to make their profits appear someplace else. That’s roughly the entire budget of the food stamp program, or the entire amount that Medicaid spends on health care for children.

Maybe that should change? Maybe we should vote out the establishment politicians in the pocket of the corporations, the wealthy elites, tech-bros, oligarchs, billionaires, Epstein class? Call them what you will.

I am not advocating for a Socialist government where the government takes over the means of production, not for State Capitalism in which the government buys controlling interests in corporations like the Chinese and Donald Trump have done.

Nope, all I want for our labor class is, as TR called it, a Square Deal, a level playing field, an equal shake, an economic system in which labor is as valuable as capital and is treated as such.

I am so sick of Facebook posts that talk about how grateful we should be for the wealthy elites.

It’s time for the labor class to unite and fight back. Gloves off.

Sincerely,

Raymond Dennis, Susquehanna, PA