Civil Discourse

Today I read an article from the Associated Press about a letter sent by 130 former members of the House and Senate to those running for Congress, and asking them to "tone down the partisan rhetoric". Their letter is available online here. Their group is called "Former Members of Congress for Common Ground".

Here's a representative quote: "The divisive and mean-spirited way debate often occurs inside Congress is encouraged and repeated outside: on cable news shows, in blogs and in rallies. Members who far exceed the bounds of normal and respectful discourse are not viewed with shame but are lionized, treated as celebrities, rewarded with cable television appearances, and enlisted as magnets for campaign fundraisers."

Maybe some of these guys are members of the United Church of Christ, which has published a marvelous resource, "Being a Civil Voice in Uncivil Times" in the Our Faith Our Vote program for this midterm election year. Perhaps there is finally some momentum building for a return to respect, seeking mutual understanding, and government that seeks to serve the interests of its citizens more than the short term political gains that seem to dominate Washington today