I’ve been thinking how talking politics has changed over the years, not for the better. I can remember times when two people could have entirely opposite views and still have a civil, even jovial, conversation about their views. It doesn’t seem to happen much anymore. Verbal mud balls seem to be a preference.
It’s always tempting to blame others for the problem, but I wonder if part of the problem is me. I must admit that there have been times when I was too quick to attack and ridicule when my viewpoint was different than another’s.
I’ve come across a “Civility Pledge” published in the Pioneer some years ago and I’ve decided to make it. Here it is.
Civility Pledge
We believe we have the right to disagree with others.
We believe we do not have the right to use hateful, rude, angry and slanderous words and actions towards those with whom we disagree.
We believe we have the right to be angry or upset at situations we find distressing.
We believe we do not have the right to take our feelings out on others in destructive ways.
We believe we have the right to express our opinion.
We believe we do not have the right to use our opinions as weapons against those we perceive as our enemy because they don’t share our opinion.
We believe we have the right to be who we are.
We believe we do not have the right to judge others harshly in our thoughts, words or actions because they are different than us.
I invite you also to make the pledge.
https://www.tillamookcountypioneer.net/civility-pledge/
I am a person of a very “blue” persuasion with just a few “purple” edges. I would very much like to have some dialogue with someone with a different persuasion from me. I’m willing to talk to anyone about anything, on zoom or in person over coffee. I am not seeking to change your viewpoint. Just because it’s my opinion doesn’t make it right and likewise your opinion is not automatically wrong. I just think that if we could spend some time listening to one another, we might smooth out some of the rough edges in our community.
It you’re at all interested, contact me at codger817@gmail.com.