Our Uncivil World

I don't know if the lack of civility in our society was a contributor to the senseless slaughter of the people surrounding Representative Gifford in Tucson, but it is a problem that needs addressing, nevertheless. A free society will never be totally safe from dangers such as this assault by a mentally ill man, but the climate we build sets a tone for our society--one that affects our communal quality of life. The damning rhetoric we hear from the mouths of some politicians in Washington occasionally is altogether unnecessary and prevents them from acting respectfully with Congressmen of other persuasions in the pursuit of the common good, which should be their primary objective. Some of the destructive lies spread around last year about President Obama were widely refuted among good leaders in both political parties, did no one any good, and undoubtedly left a bad impression about our nation with other countries around the world. We ask for respect from them, when some in our own fold don't show minimal respect for our own leader. Whether we voted for him or not, whether we believe in his planned policies or not, all American citizens owe Mr. Obama the respect due the publicly elected leader of our nation.

Occasional ugly heated rhetoric by some of our media's political glory-hogs adds to the uncivil tone set in our society. It may be good entertainment for their followers, but it sends a bad and dangerous message to troubled mentally disturbed persons who might take them seriously and act on their outlandish suggestions. Again I have to ask, "Are these commentators acting for the common good, or for self-aggrandizement?" What price are these self-centereds willing to pay, out of love for their country and its good people? Better, more civil behavior? Time will tell. Incidents such as these Tucson killings can be a catalyst for improvement in their arguments, or not.

We have always recognized that freedom, our nation's great promise, must be restrained for the welfare of all. Who of you has not heard many times "You just can't shout 'Fire!" in a crowded theatre." As former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty said this week on Good Morning America, "We could all benefit from a more civil and thoughtful discourse in our society." Amen!