Editorial: Uncivil Discourse

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Turn on the television, tune into any of the national news channels, sit back and be prepared to be assaulted by a continuous stream of uncivil discourse. It is not just politics, although it is readily apparent there at the moment. Our standards for debate, and even for casual discussion, have lowered to boorish charges and counter-charges without moving the discussion or debate forward.

George Washington once said, “Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.” When did it become the norm that in order to build someone up we have knock someone else down?

We do not look at the world or our community through rose-colored glasses. We recognize that disagreement and conflict is natural, and indeed vital, to the health of a community and nation. However, you can have debate without rancor and vitriol. You can allow for differing opinions to be aired without concern that someone will try to knock you down because of it. You can respect the messenger while disagreeing with message.

Indeed we witnessed something close to that this week in Hartford. In a rare display of bipartisanship, Republicans and Democrats came together to vote overwhelmingly in support of fixing the $220 million budget shortfall in this year’s budget. We encourage them to continue their bipartisan efforts as they must now address a $900 million deficit in the budget that begins on July 1 of this year.

Award-winning author and professor Pier Massimo Forni has written extensively on civility. He writes, “Civility means a great deal more than just being nice to one another. It is complex and encompasses learning how to connect successfully and live well with others, developing thoughtfulness, and fostering effective self-expression and communication. Civility includes courtesy, politeness, mutual respect, fairness, good manners, as well as a matter of good health.” He is right, of course. The word “civil” actually comes from the Latin word “civilis” meaning citizen.

Fast forward to modern times. In 1981 President Reagan was in a fierce battle over the federal budget with Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill. The Democratic-controlled House did not agree with the President. The debate was heated, contentious and hard fought, but it was respectful. Reagan famously said, “After 6 p.m., we are all friends,” and he meant it. He and the Speaker would often share a cocktail at the end of the day, putting partisanship away until the next debate.

This year’s Presidential debates have certainly degenerated, for the most part, into schoolyard bully tactics and uncivil discourse. The national media is enjoying this and even encouraging it, because it boosts ratings. In fact, we understand that many media outles will have better years financially because they are able to increase ad rates. While we applaud news organizations thriving, it is currently at the expense of providing a forum where real issues can be explored in depth without sensationalism. Which is a shame, because it means one voice is not being heard and it is the voice that has been the least petulant from either party. Governor John Kasich.

Governor Kasich said something recently that made us pause and look at all the Presidential candidates. He said, “I will not take the low road to the highest office in the land.” No rancor, just an honest statement of fact. This is someone we would like to hear more from and learn where he stands on the issues. But instead of an honest exchange of ideas on what is the best direction forward for our country, the airwaves are clogged with stories about email servers, daily lawsuit threats and inappropriate accusations.

English writer Samuel Johnson said back in the 1700’s, “When once the forms of civility are violated, there remains little hope of return to kindness and decency.” We hope he is wrong and we can turn the current uncivil discourse around for the sake of our nation and our community. Being civil costs us nothing. Take the high road—the view is better.

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