In the past few years, our political landscape has become increasingly divisive and the rhetoric has become polarized. During my travels, I hear from a lot of people who are tired of the Washington bickering and sniping. They want to know what they can do to let our elected leaders know that the time for discord is over.
Last week, I had the opportunity to hear former U.S. Representative Jim Leach’s speech during the Charlotte stop of his 50-state Civility Tour at the Levine Museum of the New South. The Chairman of the National Endowment of the Humanities, Leach is a 30-year veteran of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Leach is taking his message of civility in civic discourse across this nation. We can learn a lot from the way Leach conducted himself as a member of Congress and from his current message. The American people want action from their Congress and they are tired of uncivil behavior derailing real progress.
I have often said that my least favorite part of the job is the partisan bickering and division in Washington. There are many members of Congress who choose not to engage in the ugly rhetoric and disrespectful debate. Most members are able to discuss and debate our differing views without resorting to name calling and contempt.
I spoke with Mr. Leach after his remarks and told him about a recent visit to Washington by some friends of mine. I was taking them around on a tour and introduced them to several Members of Congress and asked them afterward if they could tell me who the Republicans were and who the Democrats were. They couldn’t and I told them that was a good example of how most Members interact with one another and that even though Congress doesn’t look civil on television and that it looks like it is all partisan bickering, that folks are capable of being civil and that I, along with many others, are committed to acting with civility to solve our nation’s challenges.
Our democracy is based on the fundamental ideal that it is your right to question your government and petition it for change. The greatest achievement in a democratic civilization is the ability to challenge the ideas of others with respect and civility.
Our nation is facing serious challenges as we struggle to right the economic crisis and finish the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. More and more people are becoming involved in their government and paying attention to the legislative process. As a former civics teacher, it is wonderful to see.
But as our nation works toward solutions to the challenges we face, we must never forget our responsibility to be civil to our brothers and sisters in this great democracy. As Leach said, “Words matter. Just as polarizing attitudes can jeopardize social cohesion and even public safety, healing approaches such as (President) Lincoln’s call for a new direction ‘with malice toward none’ can uplift and help bring society and the world closer together.”
As leaders, all Members of Congress should take Leach’s message to heart. We have an obligation to set an example in civic discourse. We must not be afraid of vigorous debate on the issues on which we disagree while never forsaking the utmost respect and reverence for others and their views. We have serious issues before us that we’ll never solve if we can’t sit down and discuss them.
While our nation will always have political parties and there will always be disagreements, making sure that we bring civility back to the forefront of public debate is a critical step in moving forward as a nation.
I will continue to do my best to uphold the principles of civic discourse while fighting for you in Washington.
Congressman Larry Kissell (D-N.C. -8) offices include Rockingham: 230 East Franklin St., Rockingham, NC 28379, Phone: 997-2070; Concord number (704) 786-1612; Fayetteville number (910) 920-2070; Washington office: 512 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515; phone (202) 225-3715. Web site, kissell.house.gov
The only president in this century who inherited bigger(?) problems was Truman. The military had already decided to drop an atomic bomb on Japan, when he took office. Bear in mind that no nation had ever dropped an atomic bomb on another nation at that time. No one was sure what the effects would be on Japan or the rest of the world. What a magnanimous decision this man had to make. What magnanimous decisions Obama has had to make! The economy of this country was ruined and yes Bush and his warmongering cohorts are responsible as well as destroying the faith of our country in its leaders; and of the faith the rest of the world had in America. Roosevelt created the middle class in America and Geo. Bush destroyed it! PURE AND SIMPLE!
One last comment, Christian is as Christian does. Being dipped in a bucket of water, or walking into a church five or six times a month doesn't make a Christian. A person cannot be a Christian without first being a humanitarian. The reason is very simple. Jesus whole life was devoted to humanitarian efforts of his fellow man and he tells you not to judge mankind but to love your neighbor. If you can't find these words in your Bible than you need to do more reading.
I hope that you sent this letter to every Member of Congress, because it's NOT "we the people" acting un-civilized, it's OUR CONGRESS!
All that discord, ugly rhetoric, disrespectful debate, (not to mention some of them trying to speak while "intoxicated"), etc. etc. is coming from them and we see it.
It always amazes me how, just before one Member is about to verbally attack another one, that they state...."my FRIEND on the other side".... and then it starts !
What are "we the people" supposed to think?
I'll tell you what we think.....that our law makers are acting like a bunch of "idiots" ! So, we'll go to the polls and vote for another bunch next time and hope they can work FOR US, in a CIVIL manner.
Indeed, I do hope you sent your letter to each and every one of them.