The violence and tragic death of Heather Heyer in Charlottesville, Va., is but the latest manifestation of a sad departure from our nation’s ability to settle our differences by talking instead of fighting. A proposed action – taking down a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee – sparked protests and counter-protests in Charlottesville that devolved into violence, followed by excuses for violence. Gone is pride in staying calm, demonstrating maturity, using words to resolve differences, and caring to see where we are on the nation’s timeline. What has happened to our ability to talk – to speak face to face, as equals? Talk is, after all, America's genius.

Source: Fox News August 19, 2017 14:37 UTC