To the Journal editor:

One can only wonder how a community that historically came together to solve issues has become so divided with comments to each other having become so unproductive.

This is not just the case for the community in question this is a statewide problem. The two arguments in, Ishpeming especially, that one has been seeing are as follows: “You did not grow up here” or “It is time for the locals to let the new people take over” does not help with community growth/sustainability.

That type of dialogue is closed. It does not lead to a sense of open communication. It alienates both parties within a group of people.

Something that is needed within this conversation in Ishpeming is dialogue. It is not just the question of expanding the pot ordinance, which is where a lot of the arguing is happening, it is a lot of other issues within the city.

At the last council meeting regarding the land bank authority and the piece of property, it seemed a negotiable solution was being resolved. That is because an open conversation can lead to a creative solution.

What is needed in the city is creative solutions to a lot of what is being discussed. But with all the bickering and arguing that can’t happen. Considering social media has made it more complex to be caring especially seeing comments like, “You are my enemy and I will attack you.”

Where does that lead? Poor statements like that lead to insurrections like Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C.

As a community, let’s come together, have an open dialogue, be creative in our thoughts and then in our actions be caring in our hearts.

The Rev. JONATHAN P. KORPI

Ishpeming