Maurice Appelbaum’s letter to the editor in your January 14 issue (“Communal Responsibility”) is an unfair rhetorical tool that undermines intelligent and thoughtful debate. He is guilty of doing what too many Americans do these days, which is to group all people who vote a certain way with its most extreme element. Appelbaum calls it “communal responsibility,” but what he describes is guilt by association. By Appelbaum’s logic, slightly under 50% of the electorate are somehow responsible for the Capitol mob. Also by Applebaum’s logic, slightly over 50% of the electorate are somehow responsible for Antifa violence. Both are unfair and untrue indictments of Americans.

Politics are complex, and there is plenty of room for respectful debate, despite what our social media echo chambers may suggest. Appelbaum’s condescending letter does nothing to help bridge the massive political divide in America. In fact, it widens the gulf. If there is any cheshbon hanefesh to be had, it should be how we can all, respectfully and thoughtfully, find common ground.