I had a very sad situation happen yesterday. Unfortunately, it’s probably representative of the sign of the times. A friend, or someone whom I believed was a friend, was bothered by something I posted. Rather than attacking the issue, the person decided to attack me personally. I have never understood that approach. In my careers in business, the military, and six years in the legislature, I never attacked anyone personally to include during a campaign. When you start attacking someone personally with an argument ad hominem, nothing gets fixed. It only causes the divide to be greater. I think Abby and Leo have a great message for all of us when we disagree with one another. It doesn’t mean we have to be enemies. Civil discourse is good policy but please remember it takes two people to want to engage in civil discussion.
Matt Baker
1mo
You are a good man Colonel and I appreciate your honesty, integrity and service to our nation and state. Thank you too for imparting great wisdom for those that will receive it as more than a kernel of truth.
Tim Kramer
1mo
Sorry to hear that happened to you. Given the current political climate, it’s not surprising. People ascribe their worth largely based on their tribal affiliations (read as ‘side’). If their tribe (read as party/party ideology) is under attack, they feel personally attacked. They will subsequently lash out in a personal way. Picking sides is a default decision of our current political system. And it is at once the most essential and most destructive attribute of the system.
Joe Fecondo
1mo
You have always been a humble individual who is willing to have a conversation regarding just about any subject. Being respectful of one another’s opinion is the start to conversations that lead to solutions! If anyone has ever met the Honorable Frank Ryan with a issue or conflict of opinion is and would walk away from this conversation in a positive manner. Regardless of their personal or political opinions. Frank Ryan if you either have known him for forty years or 15 minutes leaves everyone feeling better about themselves after engaging in a two way dialogue regardless of the topic. Service to others before oneself!
Joseph Clark
1mo
Colonel Ryan, personal attacks are the sign of a weak mind, decaying soul, and profound immaturity. Such behaviors are a self-inflicted recipe for depression, loneliness, and worse. As a Marine you understand difficult times test loyalty and that the Marine friend and the friend of a Marine are always loyal. Those without loyalty will find it difficult to survive.
David E. Wood
1mo
To attack someone personally is a sign of ignorance and all too common in social media, as well as the national political scene. It’s dirty and the norm that many have come to accept. As a veteran I would stand by anyone who serves or supports those who serve. Frank is an example of this. We have worked together through the years and although I may significantly disagree with his view of national politics, I significantly respect him as a man of faith, country and family. … And yeah, he ain’t Army, but a Marine will do!
You were attacked, Colonel? You are the kindest person I know!! Just be a duck and let whatever was said roll off your back.
Vicki Myers
1mo
You don’t need that bully in your life. A real man or woman would have had that discussion face to face, not a social media attack.
President Reagan’s response to a media question about Gorbachev is an excellent example… https://youtube.com/shorts/IVgxVbaDvy8?si=cbzGtGwP-dMARcsX
Unfortunately, many people never really “grow up” or learn that it is OK to object, but never OK to be objectionable.
Legislator/President Capital Growth, Inc.
1moWhen this happens, it becomes very apparent that our schools have failed our children. While years were spent trying to eliminate bullying I am afraid it seems to have simply escalated it. Instead of teaching those in conflict how to resolve their differences civility and peacefully by getting to the bottom of conflict many educational environments seemed to encourage more division and separation instead of resolution. And the more division and separation there is, the easier it is for the human mind to demonize the other. Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, "In the night, imagining some fear, how easy is a bush supposed a bear!" (Act 5, Scene 1).