Overview
Civility is a popular subject to talk about and bemoaning the loss of Civility has become a national pastime. But the trick is to “do something about it”. We have personal, political, strategic, educational, policy and structural solutions to consider.
Politics
Once citizens see that they are treated like victims and encouraged to adopt a victim position by politicians, they can “turn the table” and demand to be treated as powerful voters given real answers.
Don’t Be a Political Victim (Left) – Good News
Don’t Be a Political Victim (Right) – Good News
Civilization and daily life are guided by unspoken norms and beliefs. We have experienced significant changes in the past century that undermined the consensus view and now requires individuals to consciously consider a greater share of their daily lives. We have not reached a new consensus and may not do so anytime soon. As we work through these differences we need to reinvest in Civility skills, habits and understanding. Civility helps us individually, in groups and as a society to interact effectively despite our differences. We don’t need perfection or infinite improvement, but we need to invest in Civility and use its power as a self-reinforcing system or virtuous cycle to guide us into the future.
The Power of Civility – Good News
In order to solve our political problems, we need to face and solve the 6 underlying root causes. They are interconnected. They can be addressed mostly outside of the political process. This is cause for great hope and optimism.
Facing Our Political Situation: How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? – Good News
Education
We live in a complex, interdependent world and must make many choices. We need a greatly enhanced educational program.
Modern Curriculum for Citizens – Good News
Policies
Many Americans today cry out for “respect”. They see a social, economic and political system that does not work for them. A political party that really understands this situation would take strong action, IMHO. Some thoughts …
I’ve outlined other policy steps below that might convince the two-thirds of the electorate that are working and middle class that they are the priority.
This 2017 bestseller was applauded by the WSJ, The Economist, Harvard sociologist Robert Putnam, JD Vance (as a complement to Hillbilly Elegy) and Barrack Obama. It tells the story of Janesville, Wisconsin as a General Motors assembly plant with 3,000 workers was permanently closed in the turmoil of the Great Recession. It focuses on the impact on real people and the community’s response. The author concludes that neither the liberal response of job training nor the conservative response of economic redevelopment incentives was adequate to meet the community’s needs. What could work?
The Janesville Plan: Economic Opportunity for All – Good News
Wealthy individuals and families have great wealth to protect. As a nation and society, we have an obligation to eliminate this concern from being a primary role in our political decisions. We can set reasonable limits on the maximum contributions required from prosperous individuals in our society.
The Paradox of Great Wealth in a Democracy – Good News
Structures
Draft citizen and candidate Civility pledges to consider.
The people and leaders can choose to create new structures that provide pressure on politicians to act with Civility.
Taking Back Our Government: Candidate Appraisal Boards (CAB) – Good News
Promoting the General Good: A Council of Advisors, Elders, Guardians or Wisdom – Good News
Voters don’t have to accept non-Civil candidates.
Good News 
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