Principles, not poniards

This election cycle has been historic in many ways. The election of a president of African-American descent, and the nomination of a female vice-presidential running-mate are the first and most obviously groundbreaking elements.

However, there seems to be a historic amount of incivility in our discourse, both about candidates as well as ballot issues. Ad hominem attacks on particular candidates, over-simplification of the opposing view, and relegating supporters of that opposing candidate or view to the status of "idiot," "bigot," "racist," and any number of other pejorative terms that sidestep the real argument are all examples of the kind of incivility that have always accompanied politics. Unfortunately, the use of sarcasm, belittling, ugly and angry words, and even discourteous actions has grown in strength in recent years and now threaten to sow additional discord that will become increasingly difficult to mollify.

One of the ideas that has stuck with my from my college days is that there is no such thing as "Us versus Them." It is only "Us versus Us," meaning that when we attack or belittle a fellow human being, we do it to one of our own.

To be sure, there need to be clear and precise descriptions and definitions of viewpoints, policies, and ideas to differentiate them from others. However, those definitions need not disparage the adherents to other policies and views. To belittle someone who believes a certain way is poor politics to begin with. Support for a position or candidate is more likely to be gained by inviting the potential constituent to consider the validity of the ideas at stake in an open, honest, and courteous way, than to insult the intelligence or question to motives of the very person whose vote you are trying to win.

As for me, I feel deeply and strongly about many issues, and when I hear opposing viewpoints my heart starts to pound and my stomach starts to tighten. It can be challenging to moderate my responses when in conversation with those who disagree with me on one of my "hot-button" topics. However, difficult as it may be, civility in discourse along with sincere invitations to hear, understand, and consider varying points of view is essential.

While the issues raised in this election season have convinced me that I need to be more involved in the future to bring about the changes I would like to see in the nation, it has also convinced me that adhering to principles of civility is the best and only way to do it.