Beyond Tolerance- Video
“People are recognizing this is very dangerous.” This CBS news video tackles current problems with racial intolerance in wake of the 2016 election, and addresses possible solutions. Watch it HERE
The Case for Civil Discourse
In this Huffpost piece, author Billy Binion offers possible solutions to mend our current state of discourse , including building relationships, seeking to understand differing viewpoints, and seeking out examples where people came together from different sides to solve problems. All great suggestions, all things every one of us – leader and citizen – can do. Read more about it HERE
New Ohio State Institute to Provide Training for Public Officials
A new institute at Ohio State University will focus on teaching elected officials how to better understand their positions and the importance of civil discourse. Lawmakers included $5 million in the budget to establish the institute. We heartily applaud this effort. Read more HERE.
Turning Down the Temperature on Town Halls
A recent editorial from the Christian Science Monitor addresses the challenge with incivility in town halls, a relatively new trend that we believe is not helpful for our nation. Town halls are, after all, an integral component of American Democracy. They are places where debate can and should be passionate, and people who are angry with their representatives should have the right to speak out. But the level of incivility has reached a boiling point– too many times no progress can be made on an issue because the desire to vent overcomes the opportunity to hear ideas and compromise on problems. The Monitor editorial suggests a play book to keep that from happening. In short, we can find ways to let all voices be heard while still keeping town halls civil. Read more HERE
Fighting fire with fire is not in the best interest of the United States
The recent conflict between President Trump and the MSNBC broadcasting team of Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski highlight just how important it is to bring back civility to our public discourse. Neither side in this latest fight are, in our opinion, squeaky clean. But both had opportunities here to be firm in position but respectful to the opponent. Elected officials and the media are both continually in positions to demonstrate to citizens that there is virtue and value in passionately disagreeing with the opposing view, but respectfully. If they can do that consistently, many citizens will start to change their behavior to be more civil. That is the type of change that can bring about the healing this nation needs. Read about it HERE
