This is in response to Lee Elci's column, "So, you can't handle ideas you don't like?" (April 11). My personal politics lean strongly to the left, I however agree that it is important for people to hear, and consider, different points of view. It is essential to a healthy democracy. I do not believe, though, that it is helpful to call people names or make extreme statements that distort someone else's position, as Elci does in his columns.

For example, the people of New York who elected Rep. Ocasio-Cortez (she won with 78 percent) do not her comments "screeching lunacy."

Few people, if any, champion violent murderers, but many have pointed out the deeply biased and unjust nature of the death penalty and our criminal justice system. Nor do I believe any woman has ever had an abortion simply because being pregnant is a "nuisance;" it is an insulting comment to those who have had to make this difficult decision.

Yes, these are complex and controversial issues that need to be examined and discussed, but Elci's incendiary rhetoric does not contribute to finding common understanding.

Mr. Elci, as you continue to write your column, please  take your own advice, "Maybe we should listen and consider where the other side is coming from."

Katherine Greeley

Stonington