Door County Daily News
The Door County Civility Project Steering Committee Members, holding different political views, have come together to express concern about the polarization and incivility that is tearing our country apart. We are also deeply troubled by the rhetoric being used in the 2020 political campaign season causing further division among the people in our nation.
We join with the National Institute for Civil Discourse in believing that guidance for this national dilemma can be found in the teachings of our faith communities. We believe that that if enough people follow the Golden Rule “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” it will help generate the respect and civility we so desperately need in our country.
We can each play an important role in helping to heal America and bridge the divisions in our country in the remaining weeks prior to and following the November 3rd election. We invite you to:
- Pray for the healing of the divisions in our country
- Promote the use of the Golden Rule in our personal political discussions and election activities in 2020 by these actions:
- Listen patiently and with an open mind—especially when there is disagreement
- Use language that communicates views without exaggerating; language that is strong, precise and truthful
- Look for areas of mutual agreement
- Encourage others, including our political leaders, to be civil.
We can also do our best not to:
- Use inflammatory words or derogatory names
- Make broad generalizations about individuals or groups
- Assault the character of others
- Question another person’s beliefs, values or patriotism
- Describe those who hold political beliefs different from my own as enemies.
No matter how objectionable you may find one another’s views, the virtue of civility demands our steadfast pledge to ensure the public expression of ideas so long as those expressions in no way cause physical harm to other people. Make your commitment now to protect the freedom of the conscience and the free expression of ideas. Join others NOW in promoting civility in our political discourse.
Shirley Senarighi
Door County Civility Project