CIVILITY

CIVILITY

In this era of an “anything goes” mentality – do anything and say anything you want – I’m thinking it’s time for we “normal folks” (the folks President Obama spoke of last week) to role model good behavior and call-out bad behavior at every turn….taking action that is reminiscent of tough parenting.

Ask out loud: Who do you want to be like? Is it the racist or misogynist, or liar? Do you want to be known as the foul mouthed, immoral person “normal folks” will forevermore shun? Or do you want to be reasonable, compassionate and courteous? A person who is tactful, humble and always truthful; one of the “normal folks”?

Then ask: Do you want a leader who rolls over anyone, and everyone opposed to his directives? Or would you rather have one who governs with humility?

Be prepared to define humility: It is having a modest, realistic view of oneself, recognizing one’s strengths and weaknesses without arrogance, and valuing others’ worth and perspectives.

In a Presidents’ Day essay President Bush (#43) wrote about some of George Washington’s “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior” (penned in 1744). Bush pointed out our first President’s strong convictions of humility, respect, modesty, reason, courtesy, truth and conscience, and contrasted them to what is glaringly missing in the current White House occupant – the man “normal folks” will shun forevermore.

As we wrestle daily with this political nightmare it is easy to despair. But I implore you: don’t do it! That is part of their grand plan – pound us down, exhaust us, and break us. Then they win. Historian Jon Meacham says, “despair is a sin”. But he contends we can counter despair by seeking out like-minded people, standing together for what’s right and taking action.

Role model civility and RESIST.

Janet Jeffery, Gold Beach