Can't We All Just Get Along (You Meatheads)?

Great article in the Deseret News today on civility in public discourse - the gist is that a few years ago a prominent conservative evangelical started to be disturbed over the way Mormons were treated during the 2008 presidential elections, particularly by evangelicals. (Just pause for a moment and take that in - I KNOW.) He decided to draw attention to the fact that most Americans actually want and believe in appropriate behavior in political settings, and came up with the Civility Pledge:

*  I will be civil in my public discourse and behavior.

*  I will be respectful of others whether or not I agree with them.

*  I will stand against incivility when I see it.

I would sign it. I'll think about it, remember it, and do my best to live by it. Sadly, when this man sent it out to members of Congress and governors only three people actually signed and returned it. THREE. Out of 585 requests that people be civil in their public and political discourse, three agreed to do it.

My state representatives were not on that list.

How embarrassing.

I think it's time to write a letter - a polite, intelligent, firm, calm, respectful letter to let my elected officials know that I expect better of them.

Coming into the beginning of campaign season, I think it's also time that this be one of the first questions asked in every discussion:  "What's your stance on civility? What do you plan to do about it?"

Once that's been established, we'll actually be able to talk productively about everything else. Wouldn't that be a nice change.