A Civil Action
Although some of you may find this hard to believe, but a very good friend of mine is a big supporter of a total ban on smoking in Marion County. Obviously I disagree and our discussions can get pretty animated at times, despite that we are still good friends. My lovely wife thinks I’m nuts for some of the political views I hold, but she still loves me in spite of all that. The same thing with my parents. And there are some local elected officials who hold views I find offensive, but some strange reason we enjoy each other’s company over a beverage.
I bring this up because next week the City-County Council will hold its first hearing on a total smoking ban, and it’s probably going to be pretty contentious. Regardless, that is still no reason for anyone on either side to be anything but civil and respectful in the debate. I cringe at times when I look at the national discussion and see the silliness that is supposed to be dialogue. By the way, when did it become cool to call people “Nazis”? Did I miss the memo on that one? Both the left and the right are guilty of the vitriol and my other profession of talk radio doesn’t help much either. And even I will admit to falling into the pit on occasion.
However, if we are going to debate and discuss these important issues, be they local, state or national, the first order of business should be civility. That doesn’t mean a voice won’t be raised, but that doesn’t mean the rhetoric needs to follow. As my late grandmother used to say, “you can disagree, but don’t be ignorant about it.”
