by jpitney | May 5, 2024 | Civility, Debate, Presidency
From a Los Angeles Times editorial: Debate moderators can’t hold candidates in contempt of court, levy fines or have misbehaving candidates physically removed, but they aren’t without the authority to keep participants on track. For instance, they can deal decisively...
by jpitney | Apr 29, 2024 | Civility, Higher Education, Protest
David French: Civil disobedience is distinct from First Amendment protected speech. It involves both breaking an unjust law and accepting the consequences. There is a long and honorable history of civil disobedience in the United States, but true civil disobedience...
by jpitney | Apr 22, 2024 | Bipartisanship, Civility
Frank Bruni at NYT: When Charlie Baker, a former Massachusetts governor, was enjoying enormous favor and lofty approval ratings as a Republican in a predominantly Democratic state, he was also stressing the importance of humility. He was fond of quoting Philippians...
by jpitney | Apr 21, 2024 | Bipartisanship, Civility, Congress, Social Media
The closing words of Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), just before his resignation took effect: It’s typical at moments such as these to say ‘‘I have no regrets.’’ This is true legislatively and professionally. I accomplished my mission and got to chair the most...
by jpitney | Apr 17, 2024 | Civility
Rusty Wright at The Washington Examiner: It’s no secret that we live in a polarized world. Even if you ignore politics (good luck trying that), you’d also have to ignore entertainment news (exes or coworkers squabbling), sports news (rivals or teammates bickering),...
by jpitney | Apr 15, 2024 | Bipartisanship, Civility, Congress, Crime, House of Representatives
Phil Kiko and Christine Leonard at The Hill: The vast divide between Democrats and Republicans seems wider than ever. On Capitol Hill, the daily rhetoric is so heated that bipartisan compromise seems elusive. While the current climate may seem insurmountable, strong...
