Can’t We Disagree Respectfully

...
The Colorado Democratic Party State Convention was held on Saturday, April 16 in Loveland amid a mix of snow and rain. Let me say from the start that I have friends who are supporting Senator Bernie Sanders. At the precinct caucus, county and Congressional District meetings, there was enthusiasm, respect and courtesy shown to everyone from each side. At the State Convention, the only trait that carried over was the enthusiasm.

Among Sanders supporters from Weld County, they acted just as civilly as they did at our county meetings. But to our left and down the side of the meeting hall, were some of the rudest, most disrespectful people you could have encountered. Many of those seats were held by Bernie Sanders delegates from other counties.

The catcalls, chanting, yelling during Senator Bennet’s nomination speech were very upsetting. Here he stood on the stage with wife and children talking about all the hard work he has done on issues that everyone cares about, and the response was to shout and stomp feet. It was difficult for him to finish in a way that we could all hear. Disgraceful is the word for the behavior of the hecklers. This behavior was certainly not helpful to Senator Sanders but undoubtedly produced a backlash of emotions from other Democrats in the room.
...more at link

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pat-waak/cant-we-disagree-respect_b_9716200.html


Pat Waak, the author of this OP, was seated down front near the stage. She gives a better perspective than I was able to offer from my position at the back of the room.