Revisiting the Truth

In an earlier post (September 24, 2010), I suggested that a way to move toward more civility in the public discourse is to take the time to check the facts. Once we check the facts, it's necessary to take another step and that is to insist (graciously) that those with whom we may agree philosophically tell the truth. It's not enough to know the truth for ourselves; we must hold candidates, office-holders, and media personalities accountable for their statements, insisting that public falsehoods and exaggerations be publically recanted with a public apology. It may help us grow toward greater civility if we make it clear to politicians that those who are cavalier with the truth will not receive our vote and we will "turn off" media personalities with a disregard for the facts.

Start Early

Now that the 2010 mid-term elections are history and you're either elated or dismayed, depending on your perspective, let me suggest that it's not too early to start planning ways to inject more civility into the 2012 presidential election year. Since the 2012 campaign will probably begin in just a day or two (if it hasn't already begun), the negative, attack ad machine is already getting cranked up. Most people profess to dislike the character-assassination, mud-slinging, half-truths, and shrill labeling of the attack ads. If that's the case, why are they becoming ever more prevalent and nasty? Answer...because they work. If we're serious about a more civil discourse in the political process, it's up to us to respond to this nastiness and here's how: When the time comes, write, e-mail, or call the campaigns and parties of those you support and insist on a civil, robust debate that focuses on issues and is committed to telling the whole truth. Notice I said "those you support", not those you oppose. Whatever one's political leaning and persuasion, it is time to call those with whom we may agree ideologically to account for the way in which they represent their and our positions.