Letter: A civil foundation for American democracy
This has been a trying campaign season. The Tri-City Herald’s editorial call for unity after this election is an important reminder that after Election Day is over, the real work begins. A new survey showed that 63 percent of polled Americans say this election has been “extremely or very uncivil.” This year, we’ve witnessed incivility from candidates at the presidential level and in campaigns all the way down the ballot — and it has to stop.
When the dust has settled, we need to start rebuilding the bridges between our communities. We must debate the issues civilly, without attacking one another simply for having different ideas. Our democracy was founded on the ideas of compromise and cooperation, and the ability to agree to disagree. This past election season has seen these ideals threatened.
That’s why the National Institute for Civil Discourse has launched a national campaign, titled #ReviveCivility, calling on politicians, the media, and citizens alike to stand up to incivility. With the election now over, we will be redoubling our efforts, and I hope you’ll join us. Our democracy depends on it.
The author, Dr. Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer, is the executive director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse, a nonpartisan organization based at the University of Arizona dedicated to promoting healthy and civil political debate. #ReviveCivility
This story was originally published November 11, 2016 at 7:24 PM with the headline "Letter: A civil foundation for American democracy."