Civility in a Fractured Society

QUOTE from John Streif, Iowa Hawkeye longtime trainer.

"WE NEEDED THIS." John's words after Iowa defeated Missouri in the Insight Bowl. After losing 4 0f their last 5 games (by a total of 11 points) along with some off-the-field shenanigans by a couple of players this was a must win for the Hawkeyes. It will make the winter a lot easier to handle for the coaches, players and Hawk fans. All of us are walking around with big smiles on our faces and looking forward to next year.

I'm GRATEFUL for good men like Jim Leach. Jim Leach was a Republican member of Congress for 30 years from Iowa's southeast district. He was a moderate Republican and highly respected by both parties. He was defeated in 2006 by Dave Loebsack, a Cornell College political science professor. Mr Leach wrote an OPINION piece in the October, 2010, issue of AARP Bulletin. I want to write about what he had to say - it makes so much sense and you'll see why I'm grateful for men like him.

His article was entitled, CIVILITY IN A FRACTURED SOCIETY. Mr. Leach wrote that politics has high and low moments. Unfortunately, we are seeing a low moment in Americans politics. We've had them before: Thomas Jefferson was described as anti-christian by partisan critics; rumors circulated in mid-1800s that Abe Lincoln was Catholic; and it was suggested that FDR was a Jew. Today, President Obama, like George W. Bush, has been referred to as fascist. And in a period of rising Islamophobia, our president is even described as a secret Moslem.

Leach continues by saying there is plenty wrong with what is going on in America. What we need is a willingness to consider respectfully the views of others, with an understanding that we are all connected and rely on one another.

Seldom is there only one proper path determinable by one individual or political party. Public decision-making does not lend itself to certitude. Everybody can learn from somebody else. That is why civility is a central ingredient of a democratic society.

The outcome that matters most after divisive campaigns is whether the winning candidates have the commitment to work together for the common good. A government of, by and for the people is obligated to conduct the nation's business in a manner that respects dissent.

We cannot lead the world unless we morally rearm, not with intolerance for others, but with faith in traditional American ideals - honor, dignity, respect for our neighbors, near and far. As Lincoln noted in words borrowed from Scripture, a house divided cannot stand.

Now you know why I have so much respect for Jim Leach. If we had 435 members of Congress like him this country would be in great shape. I hope all the members of Congress, new and old, read these words and give them some serious thought.

HUMOR for today.
Doctor: You seem to be healthy for a man of 75. How is your love life?
Ole: Vell, almost every day.
Doctor: That's remarkable. Tell me more.
Ole: Vell, almost on Monday, almost on Tuesday, almost on Wednesday, and so on.