Take the Political Civility Pledge
The Catholic Wise Guy urges politicians and political writers and commentators to take The Civility Pledge. Signing this pledge is especially important for Catholics and other Christians who should beam light into our rhetorical darkness.
Civility is an attitude and a tone. The dictionary defines it as “civilized conduct, especially politeness and courtesy.”
But there are specifics that help us achieve political civility.
I pledge
to ignore the personal history and defects of my opponent and instead set forth my ideas and policies and explain why they are superior;
to swear off words that inflame emotions and douse the blue flame of rational discourse, such as swear words and vulgar epithets, as well as insulting words/phrases of the day, such as mean-spirited, bigoted, hate speech, racist, homophobe, Islamophobe, fascist, misogynist, and woke.
To sign the Civility Pledge please email the Wise Guy at catholicwiseguy@gmail.com with a subject of “Civility Pledge Signature.” To add words/phrases to this list, please email them to the same address with a subject of “Civility Pledge Word List.”
Peace, Brothers and Sisters