These past few months I’ve been rushing to my mailbox Thursday morning to grab our Bristol Phoenix. Honestly, this is a new routine. I start each day with a healthy portion of political and economic news served up with my morning coffee.

Recently the Opinion/Letters to the Editor section of the Phoenix has become my top pick on Thursday as I enjoy my lunch.

This past week though, I clearly hit my pivot point after being subjected to more of the “Letters” foreseeable point-counterpoint. It was then I decided to convert from a passive reader to an active contributor by joining the dialogue on Critical Race Theory (CRT) and wokeness. The timing of this is essential, as we are quickly approaching July 4^th and anticipating Bristol’s renowned display of patriotism.

My message is a simple one, ENOUGH!

Indulge me as I explain why I decided to speak out. You see, I am no one special, no better than anyone else; that is how I was raised and why I’ve remained pretty moderate over time. I’m able to listen to all points of view as long as the opinions of others have some relation to facts, truth and common sense.

Recently I have found my attention span being tested as so many voices find it comfortable/safe to espouse the mantra of their self-identified, issue-oriented groups. Then, in turn, they give a very short leash to those possessing different points of view. Debate is being stifled by the fear of being cancelled. The art of compromise is being devalued.

This is happening in Providence with the release of “A Matter of Truth,” the first step in its municipal reparations initiative. I hoped Bristol could be spared from this soul-searching because of its frequently displayed sensitivity to its historical ties to slavery and the concomitant fairness demonstrated by so many who live here.

As I read the responses to Michael Byrnes’ common sense depiction of CRT’s impact on our youth’s education, I started realizing that finding common ground on these concerns will be difficult with this discord. Adopting the teaching methods inherent in Generation Citizens without including traditional civics topics about our system of government would certainly leave many students ill-equipped to pass the Civic Test given to immigrants seeking citizenship.

This frightens me … It should frighten you.

It’s time this bickering among adults stops. No more name-calling, shaming and divisiveness; courteous and respectful debate should always be welcome. Let’s find a way to redirect this energy, work together and then achieve the ultimate goal, to improve the education of our children.

Then by providing these more proficient students with comprehensive civics instruction, we’ll be priming these young adults for the responsibilities of good citizenship. After all, to do anything less would be uncivilized.

Craig Evans
Bristol