Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

There's an abundance of bitterness over proposals to fixing the state pension. There's plenty of labeling, name calling, and demeaning behavior—on both sides. This is no way to have a conversation. In fact, it's no way to accomplish anything. The irony is that many involved in this debate identify as Christian. A New Testament admonition in the book of James says "let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.   What does it mean to be quick to listen? At the very least, it means seeking to understand. What about being slow to anger? How about putting yourself in the other person's shoes and try to empathize? Truth is, your anger will not change the situation. In fact, it will likely make it worse, so let it go.