The Loss Of Civility

Republican Joe Wilson’s rude outburst (“You lie!”) during the President’s speech last night was regrettable.

In fact, it was inexcusable-and unfortunately an example of a growing trend—the loss of civility in our discourse over issues large and small.

Forget the details of Obama’s speech last night—for a moment—and focus on the TONE.

Regardless of your views on the President, any objective observer (and that is really the key word-OBJECTIVE) would conclude that it was both decisive AND conciliatory. The President praised Republicans alongside of Democrats. He also scolded the extreme left of his own party. Pointing out John McCain, Orrin Hatch and other legislative foes-and outlining how their votes for “government programs” that helped the disadvantaged were examples of compassion and political courage, he was exceedingly generous to a party that has almost held him in open contempt.

Obama came across as a strong but inclusive leader, a transformational politician—in short, he was PRESIDENTIAL. As thanks for this expansive address, he was heckled by Wilson and others. No one wants the behavior of Britain’s parliament here in the U.S. It was a low point in our history, right in the midst of a high point.

It was truly the greatest speech I have ever heard to a joint session of Congress by ANY President. I’ll let the fact-checkers run the numbers-and we’ll see if the President was off-or optimistic on his figures.

Here is part of that speech last night:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgkacBbNZiQ

One thing is for sure-he is betting his presidency on this issue—and regardless of your views, you have to admire the political courage it takes to actually TAKE ACTION. America voted Obama in as a change agent—and now, when the rubber meets the road, we are collectively getting skittish. Obama’s motives are pure, I think—and I agree with his admonishment of those of both sides of the aisle who label liberals as “socialists” or the progressives who disparage conservatives as “right wing extremists”. He called for the “bickering to end”—and for serious discussion to resume.

This is not meant to agree with everything Obama has proposed ( I do not) I am wary of his proposal for a public option. But “wary” does not translate to “distrustful”—and the President himself said it well-those trying to score political points by torpedoing the bill instead of trying to improve it—are betraying the sacred trust given to them by their constituents.

The media—of which I am sometimes embarrassed to be a member—is clearly part of the problem. It is the media that created “Joe The Plumber”—a man whose fifteen minutes of fame should have lasted…well, fifteen minutes. It is the media that distorts reality by showcasing ONLY those town halls where protesters disrupt the proceedings, thereby insuring copycat events.

Is it possible to DEBATE the merits of opposing proposals without DEMONIZING the people who put them forth?

Seeing as we haven’t made much progress through name-calling and partisan childishness, maybe we ought to give it a try.

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com