Tag Archives: civility

God Gave Us Two Ears, One Mouth

Dear Joseph, I once had somebody tell me that the reason we have two ears and one mouth is that it was God’s way of telling us that we should listen twice as much as we talk. I don’t know … Continue reading

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What do your friends say about you?

Dear Joseph: I remember when I played tennis that I always wanted to play people that were better than me. Not because I liked losing, but by playing tough competition I was forced to work harder and play smarter. I … Continue reading

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Are you listening?

Dear Joseph, Your brother, David, has an interesting habit. When he wants you to listen and he thinks you are not, he grabs your face with both his hands and pulls it close to his face so that he is … Continue reading

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Got Personal Space?

(UPDATED – 3/16) Dear Joseph, Your mom likes to tease me a bit about how when we were first married I would only hug her for about 2 seconds, and then I was ready for a little space. I was … Continue reading

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Chess & Sacrifice

Dear Joseph, You are becoming quite the chess player. I remember when I started playing chess with my dad as a boy and the satisfaction that came when I finally beat him for the first time. I know it won’t … Continue reading

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Political Civility To Be Tested in Madison, WI

The current teacher protests in Madison, WI provide us a real chance to put political civility to the test. The rubber is hitting the road, so to speak. As I watch the various news reports come in, I would say … Continue reading

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Does your face know you’re happy?

Dear Joseph, I once heard a famous football coach say, “I’ve been told I’m generally a happy person, but I forget to tell my face.” You have been “cursed” with your dad’s concentration face, and I apologize right now. Like … Continue reading

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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

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Big Fish & Battle Wounds

Dear Joseph, I think it must be a male thing, but we men seem to have this impulse to want to share stories of pain and show off “battle wounds.” I’m as guilty as the next male. I’ve got some … Continue reading

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Bipartisan Incivility – We’ve Got the Gimme’s

While much of the Tuscon civility debate has focused on words and pointing fingers for uncivil speech/rhetoric, no one seems to be looking at a more serious way that both Republicans and Democrats may be contributing to the growing lack … Continue reading

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