President needs to cool his rhetoric too

Regarding "Don't let idealism die'' [Editorial, Jan. 14], as a psychologist I agree that the vitriol so prevalent in public discourse runs the risk of inciting disturbed individuals to violence, and the president's request that we all "cool it'' was well said.

However, the president could have gained in credibility had he included himself in the mix. A statement like, "I confess to being as guilty as the rest of us and will endeavor to do better.'' This would have worked well to defuse any thought of, "Who are you to lecture us when you have been part of the problem?''

Walter McCarthy

Massapequa