One of my most prized possessions is, surprisingly, a bumper sticker. The bumper sticker says, “Practice Civility.” It has been on my bumper for around twenty years when I got it at a Howard County Library in Maryland. Its message is more appropriate than ever as we have seen our nation descend into road rage, name calling, derogatory remarks about all our political candidates, a divided country, and a descent into “I” versus “you”.
How many of you can remember the earliest training we hopefully received from our parents, schools, and churches about what was appropriate language, good sportsmanship with no complaining about losing, treating each other respectfully and listening to what others had to say, and universal politeness. What about the “Golden Rule” of “Do onto others as you would have them do unto you?”
We are daily assaulted in the media, newspapers, cartoons, and writings, with what is the worst of human nature instead of uniting as a nation for what is positive, good, bi-partisan, respectful, and factual. It is OK to agree to disagree and learn from dialogue with those who have different viewpoints. Just using critical thinking and fact checking in our opinions would go a long way to bringing more awareness and unity to our country.
Please, this election and in general, practice civility, politeness, and courtesy.
Thank you for this gentle reminder.