It was clear to me as early as 2008 that a pandemic was at hand. The symptoms were easier to ignore than to acknowledge. Some embraced and reveled in the early stages of this malady. Doctors began pointing to the symptoms, only to have their opinions dismissed. Clergy, mental-health professionals and lay people tried to stem the spread, and some began organizing to stop it.

By 2016 this pandemic had spread to almost every corner of the United States. No one assumed responsibility for the finger-pointing; it always was someone else’s fault. As the illness spread it became easier to spot, but more difficult to contain. When it seemed things could not get any worse, some embraced the pestilence, praising the symptoms as righteous or justified. Then, as if to fan the flames, COVID-19 hit.

What is this pandemic that overtook our nation ahead of the coronavirus? Hate. That emotion is driving almost everything on social media and news outlets, used by many to signal virtues and justify opinions. I am amazed that people whom I once considered rational now sound like hate-filled, marginalizing prophets of doom. What happened to a caring, compassionate society where we used to respect and look out for each other? What happened to minimizing heated conflict and seeking the middle ground? What happened to just being nice to one another?

Rather than seek common ground and overcome obstacles together, too many people seem focused on political identities. We depart from civil discussion in favor of righteous jousting. Too often the goal is to score points by bashing the “other side,” instead of hashing out our differences and pursuing consensus. Hostility gridlocks our government and divides our neighborhoods as people start to see those who support “this candidate” or “that party” as enemies, rather than partners in discussion.

Fortunately, the cure is a self-administered vaccine. It is an attitude we can control completely. No one has to hate – it is a choice. No matter your skin color, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation, I will be nice to you. Hate gets us nowhere. When we recognize the importance of being decent to one another, instead of marginalizing each other based on our differences, we will start to accomplish the goals we all want.

Washington has 49 legislative districts. The 10th District is one of just four to be represented by both major political parties. When this legislative session began, our delegation committed to working across the aisle to serve the best interests of the people we are privileged to serve. We are determined to do better than fall victim to this philosophical pandemic. Though we may not always agree, I hope we can show how policymakers can come together and help their communities heal from the political divisions that have become so apparent. Each of us is part of the solution. Let’s get to work!

Sen. Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, was elected to his first term in November.