Today in Politics- More Obama aides knew of IRS audit; Obama not told May 20, 2013
- AP source: Treasury told WH of IRS disclosure plan May 20, 2013
- Public pension employees skip Hawaii conference May 20, 2013
- GOP leaders say impeachment talk premature May 20, 2013
- Penn urges US to pressure Bolivia to free US man May 20, 2013
Category Archives: Philosophy
Civility, Diversity & Discomfort
Learning to be civil is one of the critical steps to getting what’s best out of diversity. Why? Because as Tami Winfrey Harris correctly states: “Diversity done correctly is almost always uncomfortable–at least a little. Living or socializing or working … Continue reading
Posted in Civility, Philosophy, Political Civility
Tagged civility, community, compromise, diversity, empathy, tami winfrey harris
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The Two Sides of Incivility
Last week I attended a course called Crucial Conversations, which is based on the NY Times Best Selling book of the same name. It was a great training and worth the time investment. As I took some time to go … Continue reading
Qualify for Civil Liberty
Thanks to Richard Bruneau for sharing this great quote*: “Men are qualified for civil liberty in exact proportion to their disposition to put moral chains on their own appetites; in proportion as their love of justice is above their rapacity; … Continue reading
Zone in or out?
Dear Joseph, It has been fun spending time on these letters. I feel like it’s given me a chance to think about you and helped me to be more observant of your strengths and character. I’ve realized during this process … Continue reading
Being Polite is Not Civility
As part of my work on this blog, I like to monitor and read the ongoing stream of articles on political civility. The more I read, the more I am reminded of the line in Princess Bride where Inigo remarks … Continue reading
Time & Consequences
Dear Joseph, The world can be a tricky place and it seems to be getting more complicated all the time. All around us people, who are really good at making wrong behavior and activities look right and things we don’t … Continue reading
Bret Stephens Defines Incivility, But Don’t Tell Him
I thought Bret Stephens’ article in the WSJ today about Keith Olbermann was interesting. What I found most interesting is that Stephens claims that incivility is not the greatest threat to political discourse rather he says: “…the real threat is … Continue reading
Posted in Civility, Philosophy, Politics
Tagged civic virtue, civility, democrat, honesty, incivility, integrity, political civility, political dialogue, political discourse, Politics, republican, rules of civility
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Beginners are Many…Enders are Few
Dear Joseph, At times I wonder what you will remember most from what your mom and I try to teach you and how that it will probably be different from what your brother and sister remember most. One of the … Continue reading
Robust Civility = Deep & Honest Disagreements
Interesting article from Michael Gerson on civility. Two exerpts I especially enjoyed: We need a robust civility that allows for deep and honest disagreements instead of explaining those differences away. In the long run, this is only achievable if Americans … Continue reading
Posted in Civility, Philosophy, Politics
Tagged civic virtue, civility, democrat, political civility, political dialogue, political discourse, republican, rules of civility
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Misunderstood Power of Civility
Given the disturbing events in Tucson, it is not surprising that the President and others are calling for a more civil political dialogue. I agree with their call, but before we get too far down the road, we should make … Continue reading
