Tag archives: civil discourse

Civil Discourse
By Montecito Journal   |   November 12, 2024

Just a quick comment on your editorial. Civility is lacking on all levels. This election has highlighted the worst of it. I speak at schools frequently about conduct, civility and decorum in elected bodies as well as day to day life. Our blanket lack of credibility in our elected officials has as much to do […]

Let’s Talk Tips for challenging conversations in a divided community (or household)
By Dan Meisel   |   December 7, 2021

Public speaking is a commonly held fear, but I have noticed a dramatic rise in fear of speaking privately – particularly with those whom we love and respect, but also disagree. Local conversations about school bonds, water, masks, racism, elections, and conspiracies escalate with unnerving speed and ferocity, as if all these issues are connected […]

Democracy is Imperfect and So Are We
By Gwyn Lurie   |   June 3, 2021

I rarely comment on the content in this newspaper, but in last week’s edition our staff ran an opinion piece before we could screen it for our normal standards of respectful political discourse; the piece I’m referring to included the use of gratuitous language that some find misogynistic, bigoted, and should have had no place within […]

Can We Discuss Politics and Religion?
By Robert Bernstein   |   December 31, 2020

“If you want to avoid heated arguments, never discuss religion, politics, or whether the toilet paper roll should go over or under.” So said the wise sage “Weird Al” Yankovic. Religion and politics go to the very heart of our deepest values. If we avoid discussing what matters most to us, how can any learning […]