I am very proud to live in a country where citizens are free to express their varied opinions in a variety of ways. I support peaceful demonstrations and citizen gatherings where people show respect for one another while they express opinions, needs and celebrations. I also believe that many people who demonstrate publicly are also simultaneously active voters, in contact with elected officials, engaged in civic endeavors and/or local political parties, and work to impact change over time, not just in the moment of an event.
Guest column: We need to have healthy and respectful conversations