POINT OF VIEW: Promoting civility, practicing the Golden Rule daily – Palm Beach Post

Too often, all the American people see of Congress is hyperpartisan bickering on cable TV. What dont they see when the cameras are turned off? Many of us are friends. The policy disputes? They arent personal, even when passionate.

We are passionate because we all love our country. We want to serve the people who sent us to Washington to get things done for the American people. And we believe strongly in what we stand for. But we can disagree without being disagreeable. And the way we carry ourselves in our public debates is how we are represented to the American people no matter how cordial we are behind closed doors.

We can, and must, do better.

Weber Shandwick and Powell Tate, in partnership with KRC Research, recently released a report on the state of civility in America. It found that incivility has reached crisis levels in our country.

These findings, sadly, are not surprising. Particularly disappointing was that a majority of Americans believe incivility in our politics encourages general incivility in society, which deters citizens from engaging in public service. Incivility can lead to intimidation, threats, harassment, cyberbullying, discrimination and violence. In the wake of the attack on our fellow members of Congress at a baseball game practice of all places, the need for action could not be more urgent.

To try to disrupt this troubling trend, we have put forward bipartisan legislation, H.R. 400, creating a National Day of Civility. Its one small way to give this issue greater attention and spark greater awareness in communities across the country, and in Washington. The bill has overwhelming bipartisan support, introduced with the backing of nearly every member of our 50-plus person freshman class. As public officials, we have a responsibility to lead by example.

Matthew 7:12 reads: In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. Its the Golden Rule. In our civil discourse, we must strive to disagree without being disagreeable and practice the Golden Rule every day. We look forward to growing support for our effort to recognize July 12 as the National Day of Civility.

Words matter. How we treat each other matters. Lets foster more civility in public discourse Congress is a great place to start.

CHARLIE CRIST AND MIKE JOHNSON, WASHINGTON

Editors note: Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist now represents the states 13th District, and Mike Johnson represents Louisianas 4th District, in the U.S. House of Representatives. Crist is a Democrat, and Johnson is a Republican. This commentary first appeared in The Hill.

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POINT OF VIEW: Promoting civility, practicing the Golden Rule daily - Palm Beach Post