Passionate, not angry | The Salt Lake Tribune

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

As a tea party participant, I make clear the difference between political anger and political passion.

Expressing anger most often comes from the inflammatory reactions to those whose opinions and perhaps actions differ from our own. This emotional reaction spews forth with rage, indignation or revenge, just as many of us saw during the years George W. Bush was president — all the hate-Bush rallies, bumper stickers, e-mails and organizations funded by wealthy foreigners, such as MoveOn.org.

On the other hand, passion from a deep love or devotion to beliefs, ideas and expectations can appropriately be clearly and firmly expressed. Even though these ideas and expectations may be expressed with conviction, they usually aren't accompanied by threats, name-calling and a desire to do harm.

To those who constantly urge people to be less "angry," remember there is quite a difference between anger and passion.

Sandy Thackeray

Holladay