‘Double Take’: Opinion columnists respectfully disagree in new column
Melinda Henneberger. David Mastio. If you are a regular reader of The Kansas City Star Opinion section you probably know those names. If you’re not a regular reader, get ready, you will.
That’s because Mastio, a conservative national opinion columnist, and Henneberger, a Star editorial board member and a D.C. centrist prior to Trump’s election in 2016 who often writes about social justice, will begin a new point-counterpoint column called, “Double Take.” The two will respond to local, regional and national news with their own differing perspectives.
If you go back and read their individual work, you’ll find they often have very different perspectives to news and opinion stories important to readers.
That’s true of all of us, right? But in these turbulent times, we need to learn to talk to each other and, more importantly, hear what the other has to say honestly and authentically. Sometimes to find common ground, but sometimes understanding it’s just fine to disagree — as long as it’s done with respect.
Because they will disagree. A lot.
I asked the writers what they are looking forward to the most in creating this column. Henneberger explained why.
“I’m excited because I respect David so much, and because I believe so strongly that this is exactly what we should be doing, having conversations with people with whom we don’t always agree in ways that don’t have to get nasty or end friendships. As much as I disagree with what’s going on in our country right now, I can’t imagine seeing my fellow Americans as the enemy; that is a horrifying prospect,” she said.
Mastio said he is looking forward to having a regular conversation with Henneberger.
“She is an intellectually honest journalist who has deep knowledge of the way our world works from decades in journalism. I don’t think I will get much by Melinda. She knows the issues so deeply I will have to work to give my side of the story the defense it deserves which is hard to do in a day when much that my side does deserves no defense at all.”
I also asked the two if there was any subject they didn’t want to tackle. Henneberger said no, but Mastio?
“It is a hard line to walk staying true to conservative values while being honest about Trump’s flaws. I don’t think I want to hear how Melinda thinks I walk it.”
I look forward to reading the thoughts of these two award-winning journalists — not because I want a text form of reality television or daytime talk fights, but because I know I will come away smarter, with two intelligent perspectives that I can possibly even use when I talk to those whom I don’t always understand.
