Dear Editor,

I have just read Chuck Kimbell’s insult-laden response to Hannah Evans’ recent Letter to the Editor. As a new Henry County resident who picked up a copy of The Henry County Times to learn more about my new neighborhood, I find myself shocked and embarrassed by Kimbell’s, (a self-proclaimed “former law enforcement officer”) brazen attack on Ms. Evans’ character and intelligence. Add to that, I am saddened that so many lessons taught in grade school, i.e., respect for fellow humans, respect for our leaders and respect for basic truths — seem increasingly lost (as evidenced in Kimbell’s remarks) in today’s rhetorical haze of politics-fueled malice and meanness.

Political differences are not new; they have existed for time immemorial. And when appropriately embraced, these differences give us opportunities to dialogue about the bases for contrasting ways of seeing and ultimately, enhance mutual understanding to make things better. Differences challenge the status quo and senses to continuously improve for the betterment of humankind, our environment, and our world; consequently, we have no legitimate or moral reason to attack each other for diverse ways of being and seeing. Summarily, political differences do not excuse name-calling, character assaults, or physical attacks (i.e., the riotous insurrection of January 6 that was referenced by Evans and Kimbell).

Henry County: Imagine how much more we could accomplish if we refuse to yield to the fear mongering, ad hominem and slippery slope fallacies of our lower instincts. Imagine how much value we could add if we focus on trying to understand and lift each other through win-win outcomes instead of propagating zero-sum behaviors!

I have never met Ms. Evans or Mr. Kimbell, but I do know that no one gains from promoting fear, anger, threats, and other forms of spiritual violence. I imagine that Mr. Kimbell’s ego was boosted by having his letter printed; simultaneously, I imagine that Ms. Evans’ was hurt by the callousness of his personal attacks. I doubt she expected that simply sharing her thoughts would lead to having her character and intelligence assassinated. We can do better, Henry County. And we must do better to be better.

Imani Michelle Scott,
Stockbridge