civility

[si-vil-i-tee]

 

noun, plural ci·vil·i·ties.

1. courtesy; politeness.
2. a polite action or expression: an exchange of civilities.
3. Archaic. civilization; culture; good breeding.

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/civility


Much lip service is paid to the notion of civility, particularly in political discourse. Commentators on  {almost} all points of the political spectrum decry the lack of civility, then call for the other side to go first. 

Robert De Niro got a standing ovation at the Tony awards last Sunday night for his speech (not suitable for work) which basically consisted of "[deleted] Trump." Since then, much discussion on Twitter has resolved around what De Niro said, not why he said it. De Niro has been both criticized and praised for what he said but none of those comments addressed whether Trump should be [deleted] or not and why or why not.

And that, my friends, is why extremes of uncivility are generally worthless. The people you are attacking with your uncivility will deflect serious criticism of their policies, positions, actions, etc. by ranting about the words you use. They will use those words to justify not responding to your serious arguments or to the arguments of people who agree with you.

There are two counter arguments which apply in this current situation. There is a cathartic effect of saying, "[deleted] Trump" or standing and cheering  when someone else says it. And, second, there is no point being civil with people who have demonstrated they are not going to change no matter what you say or how you say it.

As for me, I'm willing to go first and start out civil but I can fall off that wagon very, very easily.


Comments are welcome but remember, be civil.

Newt the Progressive

Despite his protests to the contrary, Newt Gringrich's campaign for the Republican nomination for President has a clear anti-big business, anti-capitalist theme. This is, of course, because he and his campaign wonks see this approach as giving him the best chance of defeating Mitt Romney.

Nevertheless, the irony of a Republican running such a campaign is overwhelming. What's next, a "cross of gold" speech?

Determination of Primary Candidates

There is something wrong with a process that keeps plausible national candidates off of a major political party's primary ballot. Not fhat I would vote for either one of them (Perry and Gingrich, I mean) but it just not serve the interests of a democracy, in my opinion.

See RTD story.

RTD -- Election 2011: All politics is local

In its editorial this morning,  Richmond Times-Dispatch didn't exactly say, "Vote for Jim Holland." They did say, "The Dale District's Jim Holland responded with dignity to a difficult situation regarding the board's chairmanship." The editorial did not mention Jim's opponent either by name or other reference.

That is about as close as they will ever come to endorsing a Democrat.

Endorsements

Election day in Virginia is Tuesday, November 8th. The polls are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Here are the people I hope will win in Chesterfield.

For Board of Supervisors:

In the Dale Magisterial District, JAMES "JIM" HOLLAND. Jim is my business partner, the man who appointed me to the Planning Commission and my friend of 16 years. Four years ago his campaign slogan was "Leadership that Listens." Since that time he has lived up to the promise of that slogan. He listens, he gathers information, and then he decides based upon what is best for the citizens of the Dale District and of Chesterfield County. He is a strong supporter of education, public safety, and creating jobs. He also believes in holding people and organizations accountable for meeting their responsibilities to the chagrin of the current School Board, among others.

Unlike his opponent, Jim knows that a good system of public education is crucial to attracting employers to Chesterfield County. Jim also knows, as do we all, that bankers don't make beans and that CPAs are, deservedly, one of the most trusted professions in the United States. Bankers suffer the fate of lobbyests and politicians, 90% of the group give the other 10% a bad name.

In the Matoaca Magisterial District, MARLENE DURFEE

Marlene Durfee has been a burr under the saddle of a lot of people during the last four years and that is a good thing. Sometimes, she talks too much. But, she also believes in holding people accountable for meeting their responsibilities. She asks tough questions and keeps asking until she gets the right, accurate, complete answer. I like her style and admire her for her courage.

In the Bermuda Magisterial District, MARK FAUTZ

I don't know Fautz as well as the other two I favor for Board of Supervisors. However, his opponent, the incumbant, is just too conservative, in my opinion, even for Chesterfield County. According to one source, about 40,000,000 Americans between 18 and 40 have tattoos. To Ms. Jaeckle, those people are self-mutilators who should be separated from civilized society (or, at least, the businesses they frequent should be separated). There are over 14,000,000 college students in America. They are the sort of people Ms. Jaeckle doesn't want living in Chesterfield County. (I know I'm being generous when I presume that in her use of the phrase, "that sort," Ms. Jaeckle meant college students.)

For School Board

In the Dale Magisterial District, MICHAEL JACKSON

About a year ago I offered the suggestion that all five members of the School Board should be voted out of office. Even if I didn't hold that broad opinion I would support Michael Jackson. He understands that School Board members are accountable to the parents and voters of Chesterfield, not the paid administrators who are supposed to be answering to the School Board. Michael's background, experiences and training make him an ideal steward of Chesterfield's students and the resources intended for their education.


In the Bermuda Magisterial District, STELLA EDWARDS

Stella Edwards would bring a highly relevant set of experiences to the School Board. She has been involved in education both as a profession and as a volunteer serving, learning and problem solving for most of her adult life. Her opponent has the same good intentions and much general experience but Stella's experiences and training are specific to educating children in a public school system.

In the Matoaca Magisterial District, SHAUKAT M. SIDDIQI

The best thing I can come up with to say about incumbant Omarh Rajah is that he seems to be disliked by the other current members of the School Board. As a one term incumbant, Tom Dolan lost to Mr. Rajah four years ago.

I know from personal experience that retired college professor Dr. Shaukat Siddiqi has dealt first hand with the successes and failures produced by public education. He has been recognized for his effective contributions to both Virginia State University and Chesterfield County. He would bring a fresh, competent, effective voice to the Chesterfield School Board.

For Commissioner of the Revenue, MICHAEL J. MARCOTTE

The incumbant has spent almost $3,000,000 on two whacks at acquiring a usable computer system and failed. When budget constraints forced tough decision making, he layed off tax auditors. The Board of Supervisors recognized that lost tax revenues would be greater than the salaries saved and said so to no avail.

Marcotte recognizes the problems created and compounded by the incumbant and he has solutions ready to solve or mitigate those problems.

For the Senate of Virginia

In the 10th Senate District, DAVID BERNARD

People who pander to anti-government, anti-science extremists need to be replaced. People who care about the environment and about creating jobs across the Commonweath should be elected. Replacing John Watkins with David Bernard would accomplish both of these objectives.

In the 16th Senate District, HENRY MARSH

I saved the best for last. Henry Marsh is one of the sharpest, knowledgable people I've met. He knows the best way to get re-elected is to take care of the interests of the people who vote for him and that is exactly what he does. He is an advocate and protector of individual rights, a strong supporter of education at all levels, and a man of conviction who can be trusted to put the good of the people first.