Civility of Discourse

                    Civility in Discourse

      There are a few subjects upon which almost everyone is an expert. The weather, religion, politics, sex are the most common subjects upon which everyone has a decided outlook and is willing to speak at length on his/her version of “what is what.”

        Most of us, whether or not we have strong opinions on a subject, temper our comments when in the presence of those who hold ideas contrary to those which we espouse. It is a natural reluctance to make family or guests, in our home or social acquaintances in public, feel ill at ease in our presence. Such polite behavior is generally much appreciated by guests, family and friends. Most folks have enough things on their minds, worrying about family concerns, financial problems or health complications. They don’t need or want to get added grief, from an overly assertive blowhard, over dinner or drinks, at a social occasion.

         And the overly opinionated knuckleheads, who are bent on asserting their opinions, on any of the mentioned subjects? Most of us can’t wait to get away from their windy presence, sighing with relief when we escape their hot-aired windstorms.

         During the next few months of the “silly season” we will be inundated with a surge of political commercials, urging us to vote for “this angel” or demonizing “that devil.” That is our electoral process and everyone is entitled to publicize that the sentiments that they wish. Personally, when someone starts to actively trash the character of another candidate, I turn the T.V. commercials off. I always think rather more less of those doing the trashing, than those who are trashed. I like to hear what someone, who is running for office, is going to do to solve any one of dozens of existing problems. Anyone can throw mud, only the able and talented can fix an existing problem situation.

        So, watch carefully the many aerial bombs tossed back and forth during the next few months. Evaluate for yourself who sounds like they know how to do things and who is just another blowhard looking to feather his or her own nest. Make up your own mind who you think is best suited for all of the political offices on the ballot. And then, whatever your conclusion, get out and vote! It is our most precious right, one paid for over and over again by the valiant fallen, defending that right.

        But, in the interim, give your family and friends a break. They are intelligent and common-sense laden people who can make up their own minds on whom they think most capable for an office. Your overtly pronounced opinions will only make them roll their eyes when they see you coming and run down the street for cover.

                                    -30-

                              (468 words)

                          Joseph Xavier Martin