"Incivility takes on many forms. It can be found in the gestures of a stranger amidst the morning commute, in a stolen moment at a music awards ceremony or on the lips of a Congressman on Capitol Hill. Is it possible to heal the character of America? The following are 10 thoughts on incivility in America:
1. Where there is no demand there will be a reduced supply.
2. One breaks the cycle of rudeness when one focuses on others rather than one's self.
3. It is possible to make clear one's position without seeking to destroy or defame another.
4. With public notoriety there should come responsibility and accountability.
5. Reclaim the art of listening and you will foster understanding.
6. We should seek to win over our opponent and at the very least gain his respect for the dignity with which we speak our convictions.
7. We should do what is right not because we seek self benefit but because we stand on high moral ground.
8. Respect for others begins with self respect.
9. "I’ve seen too much hate to want to hate, myself." -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
10. In denouncing the rude and vile we join our collective voices to reclaim civility in America.
Civility goes beyond public apologies after the damage is done. It must emanate, not from polls and focus groups but rather from character and honor. Good people will sincerely disagree and the issues that divide us by their very nature impassion us.
The question is: How long will America tolerate hate and rudeness in our public dialogue? Perhaps the scriptures identify the need of the hour in the simplest of terms: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12)
Rev. Bill Shuler pastor at Capital Life Church in Arlington, Virginia."
I would like to say that I will try to do these things here in this forum. I admit I do get emotional and say (Type) things that I shouldn't. We may disagree, but we can all be civil and respectful. I will do my best to be these things. Please call me on it if I do wander off. Again I am sorry if I am insulted, or offended anyone.
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That's nice, I like that.
ReplyDelete"I admit I do get emotional and say (Type) things that I shouldn't."
ReplyDeleteWe have all done it. I agree with your sentiment and strive toward that goal myself.
We are human, after all. I think that is why I found it so problematic when the GT started banning people.
ReplyDeleteMyself, I lost a my cat of 22 years this week. We all probably deserve a little kindness.
Oh, I am so sorry about you losing your cat. I have cat kids myself. Two of ours died this past spring within 3 weeks of one another and I was devastated for quite some time. My heart goes out to you.
ReplyDeleteAhhh man, I am so sorry. I have always been a cat guy. I will give my little one an extra squeeze when I wake himn up in the morning.
ReplyDeleteWe had four barn kitties that we befriended two years ago. Three of them took off, or were killed not sure which. The last remaining guy comes in at night and loves to sleep on my chair. We have our morning process of waking up and getting loves and purrs... He is our little mouser kitty and he earns his keep :)
Sorry for your loss man!