Capital gains are mainly earned and received by individuals in the top 1-10% of income brackets. These individuals typically have 35% marginal tax rates. The typical capital gains tax rate at these income levels is 20%. Capital earnings are taxed at a 43% discount to labor earnings! 😦
This is inequitable on a basic fairness level. Why should some individuals be taxed at a much lower rate, merely because the form of their income is different?
The fact that 90% of capital gains belong to the top 10% of income earners makes this preference even more questionable, especially to those in the middle 40th to 90th percentile income brackets who pay significant federal taxes. Those below the 40th percentile income level pay immaterial federal taxes and tax rates.
Classical economics indicates that factors of production are interchangeable, so no one factor is preferred to another (land, labor, capital and other/management/R&D/intangibles/intellectual property/entrepreneurship).
Classical economics indicates that the return to each factor of production is determined by supply and demand in each factor market. There is no reason to believe that land, labor or capital are mispriced or misallocated.
Capital gains tax receipts have averaged about $150B per year in the last 20 years, or 9% of individual taxes paid. The country is missing out on $65B per year, or 4% of individual taxes paid. 2025 individual income taxes collected amounted to $2.7T. 4% is $104B, or $775 per household!
In addition to this tax preference for capital over labor, land and intangibles, individuals do not pay capital gains taxes until they sell an asset which triggers gain/tax recognition. High income individuals have the investment flexibility to not recognize capital gains for years and decades. When an individual dies, his basis in an unsold asset is stepped up to the value when they die. All of the capital gain is untaxed by his heirs. The IRS tracks this number. The annual step up is roughly equal to the amount of capital gains taxed. Yes, 9% of the $2.7T annual tax take, $239B per year, $1,750 per household.
The total tax benefit is $340B per year, $2,500 per household.
Criticisms and Responses
Financial capital is required for physical capital investment which is the basis of all economic output. Conceptually, this is incorrect. Land, labor, capital and intangibles are co-producers of output. This is a well-agreed upon result of economics since the “marginal revolution” in the 1880’s. This is a mistaken mirror image of the “labor theory of value” that Marx appropriated from Ricardo.
Financial capital is the essential ingredient for all economic progress and growth. Again, the factors of production are co-equal. Financial markets are just as balanced as the “factors of production” markets. There is no reason to believe that financial markets require a subsidy to provide adequate finances for demanded investments. The globalization of financial markets makes this even less plausible. Savers around the world are easily able to find places to invest.
The return to capital includes inflation, which should not be taxed. Again, at theory level, financial markets balance the supply and demand for money. Market participants incorporate the expected inflation level into their calculations. Individuals invest, expecting a certain inflation rate. They know that their “real” returns will be discounted by inflation. In practical terms, the expected inflation rate has been 2% for 30 years. It has been higher for short periods of time. Critics argue that unexpected spikes in inflation should not trigger capital gains taxes. They don’t argue that unexpected decreases in inflation should drive higher capital gains taxes. In technical terms, the IRS rules could include some “adjustment” so that long-term capital gains would be reduced by the excess of inflation versus a 3% rate.
Capital gains fluctuate with the stock market, so they cannot be relied upon as a source of government income. Over time, the government will collect its fair share.
Investors will dodge any change in the capital gains rules. OK, the legal changes can go back 3-5 years as needed to capture revenues or accept that the transition will be less than ideal.
A higher marginal capital gains tax will encourage individuals to hold their assets longer, hoping to escape any taxes at their death. Yes, without reform to the death basis step-up option, the positive impact will be much less.
Individuals don’t have the liquid assets to pay taxes on the step-up basis at death. Like inheritance taxes, the capital gains tax on the step up in asset basis could be paid across 5-10 years.
Higher capital gains tax rates will reduce total taxes collected. This is the “Laffer Curve” logic. There is certainty a capital gain tax rate that will discourage investment and recognition of capital gains. This proposal is to tax capital gains at the same rate as earned labor income, about 35%. There is no solid evidence that a one-third tax rate discourages anything. 50% is somewhat different.
A higher capital gains tax rate will discourage savings and investment. GDP growth will be reduced by 0.1% annually. Macroeconomic models can allegedly “prove” this. Moving out of the 35% “sweet spot” to 50% might reduce savings and investment and GDP growth. I’m not proposing this. Even the negative impact at 50% would be small compared with the improvement in equity and increased commitment of citizens to a fairer state.
US business investment has declined through time. We need to incentivize savings and investment. US savings and investment do change through time. Many factors drive these changes. Marginal tax rates on capital gains are very minor factors. The US economy has thrived in the last 50 years. It has access to investment because it has proven its ability to deliver for investors.
Federal capital gains taxes reduce state capital gains taxes. OK, states will adapt.
I’m not proposing a widespread “mark to market” approach that requires implicit capital gains to be taxed every year for everyone. I do believe that it is possible for the IRS to define regulations to require very high-income individuals who can afford the accounting support to recognize gains on highly liquid market assets each year.
Summary
The “populist revolt” is driven by individuals who think that they don’t get a “fair shake” from our society, economy and government. One “big ticket” item is the preferential lower tax on capital gains versus earned labor income. It’s not fair. It’s not right. It’s $2,500 per household of unfair subsidy. Democrats should make this a major policy plank. The losers from this change are in the top 10% and especially in the top 1% of earners. Now that Republicans have adopted the “common man” as a major part of their political base, they will be required to respond favorably.
Carmel, Indiana is a 46 square mile city of 105,000 people a dozen miles north of downtown Indianapolis.
As 28-year mayor Jim Brainerd once quipped, “We don’t have mountains, valleys or an ocean, but neither does Paris”. How could an Indiana city create such a natural reputation for success?
Carmel is a suburb of Indianapolis, so it has benefitted from suburban growth since the 1950’s.
Indianapolis, like Columbus, Nashville, and Minneapolis, has been a heartland growth winner.
Indiana is a low cost of living location, benefitting from being the “Crossroads of America”.
Indiana is a low tax and low government services state, with expectations that government needs are best addressed at the lowest possible level.
Indianapolis has no natural geographical constraints to growth or limits that raise the cost of living. The Northwest Territory’s 6×6 mile townships expand in all directions.
Most metro areas have a preferred direction for wealth and growth. Indianapolis chose to develop straight north along Meridian Street across the Marion County border into Carmel by the 1950’s.
This branding and “first mover” advantage is common among America’s 50 large metro areas. Carmel benefitted from competitors in NW Zionsville limiting development to preserve the small village character, NE Geist having limited lakefront property and NNE Fishers limited main highway access.
While Indiana today is considered a deeply red state, historically it was more purple, with heavy manufacturing/worker counties balanced by rural/farming counties. Indianapolis was a local government innovator, creating county wide Unigov in 1970 to combine the city and county, preserving Republican dominance. Indianapolis has elected centrist mayors for 6 decades: Lugar, Hudnut, Goldsmith, Peterson, Ballard and Hogsett.
Jim Brainerd served as mayor from 1996-2024 as a centrist/practical Republican in the Governor Daniels mode, focusing on local economic issues and needs, without being distracted by national wedge issues.
Carmel understood the power of zoning and used this to adopt overlay zones to guide denser and higher quality development in the Meridian corridor, Range Line Road, Arts & Design District and Midtown areas. Politicians understood that Carmel was a valuable place for developers and set limits to ensure that the community would also benefit from growth.
Mayor Brainerd used the powers of the Indiana strong-mayor system to create tax increment finance (TIF) districts to capture the future property tax values of areas to allow for leveraged government investments in infrastructure.
Mayor Brainerd and the city council also allowed the city to borrow at advantageous interest rates to finance other investments to promote the city’s growth.
Like many governments, Carmel offered tax incentives to attract corporate developments.
Mayor Brainerd found that roundabouts were a local, traffic, aesthetic, environmental, safety, time, and cost winner. He prodded the city the install 150 roundabouts.
Mayor Brainerd incorporated a small investment into the arts and not-for-profits into the annual budgeting cycle. Local citizens applauded.
Mayor Brainerd chose to invest in community art, statues downtown and in the roundabouts. Again, the community applauded.
Journalistic histories emphasize the role of Mayor Brainerd in “transforming” the sleepy suburb into a new urbanist “edge city” and nationally recognized place to live. Mayor Brainerd deserves credit as a visionary and catalytic leader who delivered the goods for 3 decades. Yet the Carmel story begins before him and continues today. It relies upon political, government, community and volunteer leaders who believed that Carmel could deliver the highest possible quality of life for its residents and neighbors. I point to a few representative leaders who deserve credit.
Carmel has invested resources in making it a safe city. School safety officers requiring a separately approved levy. Formal quality standards for police and fire departments. County level emergency preparedness investments.
Carmel public schools are consistently rated among the best in Indiana. Critics say this reflects the wealthy socioeconomic status of the community. “The proof is in the pudding”.
Indiana schools are mainly funded through a statewide formula. Indiana property taxes are capped as a percentage of value. Carmel residents have chosen since 2010 to approve property tax levies to exceed the formula and the standard maximums. Recent state tax, budget and formula changes are driving new requests.
Carmel library has moved twice, expanded its main location and added a branch location. Carmel library has been nationally ranked for its activity, circulation, programs and financial investments.
Carmel aspires to be a diverse community. It has been a primary corporate transfer and health care professional destination, welcoming non-Hoosiers and preparing residents and students for national and global roles.
Carmel has more economic diversity than some expect, with many middle-class and young adult neighborhoods south of 116th Street and within the boundaries of Keystone Parkway and Meridian/US 31.
Density is good. Commercial property tax base is good. Employers are good. These 3 statements seem trivial and obvious, but many “professional class” suburbs reject them, wishing to live in an idyllic rural paradise. Carmel has always embraced manufacturing, offices, retail, and apartments.
The Meridian Corridor overlay district promoted dense development and prevented strip malls. The Range Line Road overlay district required dense and multi-use development. The early overall zoning plan encouraged economic development in the central 8 square miles of the city, within the 46 square mile footprint.
Carmel employed TIF districts and public borrowing to attract investors to its central city developments.
It employed the usual tax abatement tools to encourage major corporations to locate within Carmel.
By decade, Carmel’s population grew from 1950 to 2026 in thousands as 2, 10, 20, 33, 43, 65, 83, 99, 105. 4 decades of 10,000 population growth followed by 4 decades of 15,000 population growth. Growth may slam shut in 2030-2035. Growth provides advantages to utilities, realtors, developers, construction firms, media, and governments.
Lacking mountains or oceans, the community has developed events for every month of the year to celebrate. Many events were created, grown and managed by small groups of individuals with background support from the city government.
Carmel has leveraged its existing natural neighborhoods to develop a sense of place. Real estate developers have built traditional 50-300 home subdevelopments and filled in spaces. The city focused on the central city neighborhoods to define the “arts & design district” and midtown. The parks district has built and enhanced regional and neighborhood assets.
Carmel began with advantages as a growing suburb north of Indianapolis’s historic Meridian-Kessler neighborhood. Political leaders made wise decisions for several decades. Carmel’s measures of success have gained national recognition. However, the character of the community and quality of life is driven by the personal responsibility that citizens take for themselves and their neighbors as symbolized by the moms who built the first park and the dads who started the youth athletics programs.
As of April, 2026 the US economy has survived 16 months of Trumpian economic malpractice.
Tariffs have cost each family $2,000 annually, acting as a huge tax increase. Suppliers and importers have absorbed less than one-fourth of the increased costs.
Tariffs and surrounding uncertainty have stopped normal business investments, R&D and new hiring.
$34 billion of green energy projects have been cancelled.
Manufacturing employment continues to decline.
Foreign born employment has been flat, after increasing by 4 million during 2022-24 to 31.8 million.
Farm bankruptcies grew by 46% due to retaliatory tariffs, labor shortages and input cost increases.
Mortgage rates have increased by 1% compared to the federal funds rate due to increased inflation, budget deficits and Fed independence concerns. In time, that is an extra $1,500 annually for every home mortgage.
Inflation was trending towards its 2% target. Trump policies have increased it to 3% and rising. This costs the median family budget $1,000 per year.
The DOGE initiatives and government shutdowns have made the federal government much less effective in performing its core functions.
Reduced IRS staffing is forecast to reduce revenue collections by $750 billion per decade.
Higher import tariffs increase input costs to American manufacturers, placing small and medium sized firms at greater risk of bankruptcy.
The US credit rating has been reduced by Moody’s due to the growing budget deficit and uncertainties, adding to the long-run cost of servicing the $39 trillion debt. At a nominal 0.25% premium that adds another $700 per year to the average household’s cost for debt service.
Frozen, reduced and politicized federal R&D threaten future economic advances.
The value of the US dollar has declined by 10%, making imports more expensive and exports more attractive.
The consumer sentiment index has declined from 70 to 50, as low as the depths of the pandemic!
Trump has required coal-fired power plants to operate beyond their planned retirement dates, costing consumers $5 billion per year.
The Iran war costs the country $50 billion.
Weaker relations with others will cost the US $1-3 billion annually in reduced foreign travelers.
Why hasn’t the economy tanked? The Iran war and tariffs may combine to tip the US economy into recession before the end of 2026, but so far it has been very resilient. How is this possible?
The long-term trends point to dynamic and creative US business and labor sectors compared with other countries.
The US economy has moved from a high fixed cost manufacturing world to a diversified service and knowledge economy, diversifying its economy and risks.
The US economy is more globally competitive and able to use international trade to manage its risks.
The AI revolution has sparked a huge data center and electricity power investment cycle. This is a classic Keynesian investment multiplier-accelerator situation, driving large investments today to support future expected demand.
The US stock market valuation has grown based upon historical growth trends, US competitiveness and the expectation of future business-friendly policies (regulation, competition, taxation, trade).
The wealth effect of the stock market has boosted the K-shaped economy with higher income/wealth families continuing to spend.
The One Big Beautiful Bill is a classic Keynesian economic stimulus from lower effective tax rates. In the short-run, the bond markets have not yet determined that the US has reached the point where it’s deficit spending is unsustainable. It may be close to that limit.
The “exorbitant privilege” of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency and hedge for economic uncertainty remains in place. This is another “tipping point” situation where at some time China and the EU become reasonable options and US government borrowing rates spike upwards.
The federal reserve bank has cut baseline interest rates from 5.3% to 3.6%, offering borrowers a loose monetary policy, even if Trump calls for even lower rates.
Annual new home construction starts remain at 1.3 million as builders bet that higher housing prices and an 8-year building deficit will have to be filled. Historically they would have reduced their investments.
Employers remember the pain of filling open positions after the pandemic and remain slow to make major job cuts that can be rationalized away.
3% inflation is “manageable” by producers and consumers, even if it is not at the nominal 2% target.
TACO: Trump has not maintained his headline import tariff levels.
US imports are only 14% of GDP, down from 17% in 2011. Tariff changes have a smaller impact.
US strength in trade negotiations has been confirmed. Other countries have mostly chosen not to implement significant retaliatory tariffs. China is an exception.
Health care job growth has continued as the US population ages and requires greater care funded by employer insurance, Medicare and savings.
The leisure and hospitality industry has added jobs as the pandemic travel rebound continues.
The energy industry investments in wind, solar and transmission continue after a decade of limited investments, despite Trump’s lack of current support.
Trump’s pro-business tax, regulation, enforcement and competition policies provide businesses with opportunities to grow their profits.
The core age labor force participation rate remains at an historically high 84%.
Global oil prices trended down by 25% during 2023-2025. They’re up by two-thirds in the last few months.
Labor force productivity growth has been 3%+ during 2023-2025 after 3 years of no growth in 2020-2022.
The US leads the world in scientific and economic innovation by a wide margin.
Trump’s policies have cost the typical American family about $5,000 per year on a base of $100,00. They feel this and reflect it in the consumer sentiment surveys.
The US economy is far more diversified, resilient, creative, innovative, responsive than it was historically. It is able to adapt to changing regulations, immigration, regulatory enforcement, tariffs and opportunities. It is well positioned to succeed in the new US and global environment.
Civility faces many challenges to survive and thrive. It possesses many advantages.
Conceptually
They say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. The umbrella terms liberal and conservative are inadequate to political dimensions and individuals. Despite DEI politics, most Americans support diversity, equal opportunity and acceptance. Thought leaders realize there is no alternative to Civility for a modern society to function. We define “certainty” for science and religion. We have post-Newton insights in the last 100 years. We understand “victim” language. We can help ourselves and our friends to reject this burden.
Logically
Civility encourages us to accurately diagnose the current situation. Despite political extremism, instrumental logic and facts rule the scientific and business worlds. Civility is designed to be nonpartisan, allowing political parties to embrace this approach to effectiveness. The 7 Civility values are equally attractive to liberals and conservatives. Civility is able to promote public-spiritedness without leaning left.
Morally
The Civility behaviors are mostly consistent with human nature. The rest can be taught. In a time of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, focusing first on human dignity is wise. While Civility focuses on behaviors and a few values, it can be driven by more emotional values. We better understand the benefits and limits of tolerance and its role as a social value. Most people see the costs of extreme individualism to themselves, family, neighbors and coworkers. By highlighting the habit of skepticism, we can greatly reduce its poisonous impact.
Progressively
The track record of modern society solving problems is very strong. Our world has an increasing experience base of finding both/and descriptions and solutions. We do have a long track record of reducing our perceptions of “the other” as a threat. We have more experience outsourcing government functions to reduce the sense of intrusion. The change is based on incremental improvements rather than heroic efforts and projects. Modern communications capabilities can effectively promote moderate, complex, less emotional positions. As Robert Putnam documents in The Upswing, we have revised our social institutions before.
Powerfully
Civility is supported by a super majority of independents, Republicans and Democrats. Corporations need Civility to operate complex organizations. They will recruit, train and reward Civility. Civility embraces a wide diversity or political and religious beliefs. Civility is supported by many churches, businesses, professions, universities and governments. Leaders of Europe’s more secular democracies strongly embrace Civility. There is no fundamental opposition to Civility by China’s leaders. Civility is strongly supported by the major religions. The 7 Civility values are supported by all major religions and philosophies. Unquestioned religion or scientism are dead. Better insights and communication are possible. The Catholic church can strongly support Civility. Protestant churches can support Civility without overemphasizing “social justice”.
Politically
Societies have always had political differences. Our differences are no greater than in history. In the American 2-party system, the center normally has extra political weight. Political parties, groupings, ideologies and polarization naturally change through time. We have 50 years of post-60’s social policy debates. We know that we will always disagree on some things. The diversity of states allows the benefits of federalism to accrue with better policies emerging. The reliance of the classical liberal political model on shared values is better recognized. The unintended consequences of politically extreme policies become obvious in time.
The impossibility of extreme political parties/factions delivering on their promises becomes apparent. Ironically, liberals have become “cultural conservatives”, promoting a 250-year-old approach. Liberals increasingly see the value of allowing states to determine social and economic policies. Some liberals see that 100% enforcement of social policies drives strong opposition for little benefit. Broadly defined insecurity has become a political priority that will generate nonpartisan solutions.
Educationally
Modern cognitive science, counselling and organizational behavior are highly effective. By defining Civility as a set of behaviors, we make it teachable, actionable and leverageable.
The Civility lessons are straightforward, allowing many to lead workshops. Solid Civility lesson plans can be developed in many places and used everywhere. We can fine-tune and package hundreds of Civility training exercises to serve everyone. Organizations and individuals can rely upon counselling, groups and training. We can greatly improve our school curriculums to teach Civility as a solution to real differences. Civility is practiced and improved in all arenas of life. Improvements are leveraged.
Virally
In a highly specialized world, there are more opportunities to apply Civility “win-win” principles. Civility is not an “all or nothing” set of behaviors. Incremental progress is normal. The more challenging Civility behaviors can be practiced in safer, local environments. Local expectations of Civility allow all individuals to apply and grow these behaviors. Civility can be practiced in any environment without permission from anyone. Civility skills, values, beliefs can be developed and applied without any approvals. The virtuous cycle of Civility applies at levels. Good behavior or feedback drives more good behavior. The practice of Civility generates “positive externalities” for others. The state should support it. The practice of Civility provides a role model for others to emulate. Social norms are very powerful. Most people learn them implicitly. Civility behaviors can become habits which then apply without thought or effort.
Beneficially
Every person can serve as a Civility ambassador, champion or “civiliteer”. High-level Civility skills are personally and professionally highly valuable. The Civility emphasis on self-awareness and values clarification can improve quality of life. Humans have much in common and can learn this. Americans have much in common. We understand “human nature” deeply, so can adjust to leverage strengths and patch weaknesses. Americans are proud of their political system and will invest in Civility to preserve it. Civility’s focus on human dignity supports the modern high importance of personal identity. As individuals seek validation of their identities, Civility can help to facilitate good conversations. Our greatly improved understanding of behavioral economics provides new policy opportunities.
Summary
The modern approach to improving and installing Civility as a major social norm is audacious, yet it has great support.
Civility acts as a social norm by functioning as an unwritten contract of voluntary restraint, respect, and mutual recognition that governs interpersonal behavior, fostering trust and social cohesion. It serves as a navigational tool for social interaction, prioritizing the common good over self-interest.
Foundation of Mutual Respect: Civility is the recognition of the humanity and equality of others, demanding respect regardless of differences.
Behavioral Guidelines: Unlike polite etiquette, it is a deeper disposition involving empathy, patience, and honesty.
Social Cohesion: It reduces friction and prevents conflict, acting as the “glue” that allows diverse people to live peacefully.
Voluntary Constraint: Civility serves as a form of self-discipline and self-control, curbing harmful impulses without the need for legal force.
Function in Public Life: It enables productive, respectful disagreement and dialogue in communities and democratic life.
Several organizations and initiatives aim to establish civility as a social norm to reduce polarization and foster respectful discourse. Key groups include the National Institute for Civil Discourse, Braver Angels, the Institute for Civility, and the Civility Project, which focus on promoting respectful dialogue in political, public, and private spheres.
National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD): Focuses on bridging political divides and promoting polite, constructive discourse in politics.
Braver Angels: A major organization working to reduce political polarization by fostering constructive dialogue between citizens with opposing views.
Institute for Civility: A non-profit dedicated to promoting civility in government, workplaces, and schools, aiming to build a more respectful society.
The Civility Project: Founded by journalists to help people with stark differences maintain healthy, respectful relationships.
National Civility Network (NCN): A collaboration of centers and institutes working on civic engagement and addressing political dysfunction.
Millennial Action Project: Engages young lawmakers to build bipartisan coalitions and promote a more collaborative political culture.
The Center on Civility and Democracy (CCD): Part of the Ronald Reagan Foundation, it promotes civil discourse and common ground.
SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management): Promotes workplace civility as a strategic imperative to create productive, positive cultures.
These groups often focus on transforming polarization into engagement, enhancing interpersonal relationships, and strengthening democracy through “internal constraints” of respectful communication.
A broad spectrum of Christian denominations, including Catholics, Lutherans (ELCA), Presbyterians (PCUSA), and many Evangelicals, support making civility a social norm, often framing it as “Christian civility”. These efforts focus on applying the Golden Rule and neighborly love to public discourse, emphasizing dignity, respect, and constructive engagement over political polarization.
Key groups and campaigns promoting this include:
[United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)]: Launched the “Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate” campaign, urging respectful dialogue in politics and community.
[Evangelical Leaders (NAE)]: The National Association of Evangelicals and leaders like Richard Mouw emphasize “uncommon decency” and treating others—including opponents—with dignity, believing this is a core Christian conviction rather than just good manners.
[Mainline Protestant Denominations (ELCA, PCUSA, Episcopal Church (USA))]: The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Presbyterian Church (USA) have supported initiatives like “Golden Rule 2020: A Call for Dignity and Respect in Politics”.
[Interfaith & Ecumenical Coalitions]: Various leaders, including those involved in “[A Covenant for Civility],” span across political lines to promote civil, safe spaces for public discourse.
Several states, through their legal, governmental, and bar associations, are actively working to mak civility a social and professional norm. Illinois, California, Texas, Colorado and Utah are noteworthy. Half of state legal associations include civility oaths.
The Council of State Governments is promoting “Service with Civility”.
Several state municipal associations have launched formal campaigns, pledges, and initiatives aimed at making civility a social norm in local government and public discourse. These efforts, often in response to rising polarization, focus on restoring respectful dialogue in council meetings and community interactions.
Key state municipal associations leading this effort include:
Georgia Municipal Association (GMA): In 2023, the GMA launched the “EMBRACE Civility” program in partnership with Georgia City Solutions to equip cities with resources, including a civility pledge and the “9 Pillars of Civility,” to combat incivility in local government. Numerous Georgia cities have been recognized as “Cities of Civility” through this program.
Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC): MASC formally rolled out its civility initiative in 2022, naming the restoration of civility in local government a top priority. Their initiative urges local leaders to adopt civility pledges and resolutions in their council chambers, focusing on collaboration and consideration.
Illinois Municipal League (IML): The IML promotes a formal “Civility Pledge” to ensure communication between local elected and appointed officials remains open, honest, and transparent to build trust.
Pennsylvania Municipal League (PML): The PML has a dedicated “Civility Campaign” that encourages officials to sign a pledge to foster civility in the delivery of public services.
North Carolina League of Municipalities (NCLM): NCLM operates a “Commit to Civility” program that certifies municipal boards that complete training and commit to fostering respectful discourse in their communities.
Colorado Municipal League (CML): CML promotes “Civility Starts Here” principles, encouraging local leaders to focus on issues rather than individuals, listen actively, and manage emotions during public meetings.
Florida League of Cities (FLC): FLC offers training and resources for local governments to adopt civility pledges and meet ethics standards to foster better communication between officials and the public.
Note: The National League of Cities (NLC) also provides a national framework supporting these state-level actions, with many of its leaders hailing from the associations listed above.
Several professional associations, particularly in law, psychology, and management, actively promote civility as a social norm to improve discourse, workplace culture, and public health. Key organizations include the American Bar Association (ABA), American Psychological Association (APA), SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
Key Professional Associations and Initiatives
American Bar Association (ABA): Promotes civility as a core pillar of legal professionalism, issuing guidelines and training for attorneys to maintain respect, dignity, and courtesy in legal practice.
American Psychological Association (APA): Emphasizes civility, inclusion, and respect for dignity to foster better communication and professional environments.
SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management): Advocates for civility in the workplace, emphasizing empathy and respect to improve organizational health, performance, and employee engagement.
International City/County Management Association (ICMA): Partners in efforts to address the decline of civility in public discourse and governance.
Community Associations Institute (CAI): Implements a “Civility Pledge” for community associations to foster respectful interactions and responsible leadership.
National Civility Network (NCN): A coalition of academic centers dedicated to promoting civil discourse in public life.
Numerous universities actively promote civility as a core social norm, incorporating it into campus culture through specialized initiatives, codes of conduct, and dedicated community standards. Key institutions focusing on this include Carnegie Mellon University, Old Dominion University, Arcadia University, Stony Brook University, and Winston-Salem State University.
Key University Civility Initiatives & Policies:
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): The Civility Initiatives strive to foster a community of dignity, conflict resolution, and mutual respect.
Old Dominion University (ODU): Civility: The Monarch Way focuses on building a safe, respectful environment, prohibiting bullying and harassment.
Stony Brook University: Emphasizes civility and civil discourse alongside diversity, caring, and respect.
Arcadia University: The Statement on Civility highlights respect, empathy, and responsible behavior.
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU): The Office of Community Standards & Civility promotes integrity, accountability, and respect.
Johns Hopkins University: Features the Civility Initiative, established to promote dialogue during polarized times.
Florida State University (FSU): Highlights a civility statement stressing the “dignity and worth of each person” and encouraging respectful disagreement.
Colby Community College: Includes specific conduct guidelines to curb toxic behaviors such as public hostility, ridicule, and name-calling.
Jamestown Community College: Implements classroom civility guidelines focused on fostering a safe environment.
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC): Incorporates a Code of Civility in its student handbook.
Some Republicans support civility as a social norm to maintain democratic stability, foster productive governance, and encourage respectful dialogue over political hostility. It is seen as a way to promote traditional values, enable compromise, and, for some, shift focus away from personal attacks toward policy, enhancing both social cohesion and political accountability.
Key reasons for supporting civility include:
Democratic Order and Stability: Civility is seen as essential for upholding democratic decorum and stabilizing the boundaries of conflict.
Effective Governance: Many believe that civility is crucial for bringing lawmakers together, reducing political hostility, and finding solutions through, rather than in spite of, differing viewpoints.
Encouraging Respectful Discourse: Supporters argue that civility promotes listening, understanding, and respectful treatment of others.
Reinforcing Traditional Values: Civility often aligns with the promotion of respect, personal responsibility, and traditional social conduct.
Political Strategy: Some studies suggest that advocating for civility can be a strategic move to focus on policy differences rather than identity politics, which can be beneficial in certain political environments. [
While a large majority of Republicans (85%) have regarded civility as very important, there is nuance in how it is interpreted, with some emphasizing it as a necessary reduction in political toxicity, while others may view the push for it as a distraction from deeper policy debates, or as a way to control the political narrative.
Some Republicans support making civility a social norm because they view it as a practical tool for effective governance, a protector of democratic stability, and a reflection of core conservative values like respect for authority and human dignity. They argue that without a baseline of mutual respect, the “American experiment” is threatened by hyper-polarization and potential political violence.
Some Democrats and institutionalists support elevating civility to a social norm to preserve democratic institutions, promote constructive political discourse, and counter rising polarization. Proponents argue that civility fosters trust, enables compromise, and protects democratic processes from authoritarian threats by emphasizing shared common purpose over confrontational, hyper-partisan politics. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Key reasons for supporting civility as a social norm include:
Protecting Democratic Institutions: Supporters believe adherence to decorum and norms keeps government functional and resists democratic backsliding.
Encouraging Compromise: Civil discourse is seen as essential for managing deep societal disagreements and achieving bipartisan solutions.
Recognizing Mutual Dignity: Civility requires recognizing the dignity of opponents, which helps reduce hostility and fosters a more collaborative political environment.
Promoting Respectful Dialogue: It provides a framework for addressing conflicts, particularly in diverse environments, by encouraging active listening and reducing conflict-driven “drama”.
Some Democrats advocate for civility as a social norm primarily to protect the stability of democratic institutions and to rebuild public trust in a polarized political climate. By promoting respectful discourse, these supporters aim to move away from personal attacks and toward a governing culture that can effectively address societal issues through compromise and mutual understanding. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Core Reasons for Supporting Civility
Stability of Democracy: Proponents argue that democracy requires a baseline level of respect to function. Without civility, institutions suffer from increased hostility and a “declining faith in democracy”.
Enabling Compromise: Meaningful policy solutions often require reaching across the aisle. Supporters believe that treating opponents as “political equals” rather than enemies allows for the negotiation of “reasonable compromises”.
Restoring Public Trust: High levels of political vitriol can weaken trust in government. Modeling civility is seen as a way for leaders to signal ethics, honesty, and a commitment to “good governance”.
Social Harmony and Diversity: In a diverse society, civility is viewed as a “moral glue” that prevents different viewpoints from devolving into aggression. It encourages “bridging capital”—trust between strangers—which makes both democratic governance and economic exchange easier.
Voter Preference: Many Democratic voters value institutional norms and professional behavior. Polls indicate a strong majority of voters believe respect is the first step toward a working government.
Summary
There is broad support in the US for Civility as a social norm. Grass-roots efforts to improve understanding, application and encouragement of Civility have good prospects for success.
In recent times, eight older men lived in an Indiana community. Each was successfully retired and quite confident. Their neighbors loved the older men and encouraged their breakfast group meetings. Since the older men were no longer actively engaged at work, they had to imagine how things really operated. They listened carefully to stories about the active world of business, government, politics, health care, science, and leadership told to them by others.
The men were curious about many of the stories they heard, but they were most curious about Civility as a super solution to social challenges. They were told that Civility could fix politics, solve tough problems, promote personal growth, reinsert facts and logic into debate, revive trust, social relationships and institutions, and restore the balance between individuals and community.
They remembered Indiana as a very special place with great leaders. They recognized Birch and Evan Bayh, VP’s Quayle and Pence, representatives Lee Hamilton and Julia Carson, Indianapolis mayors Hudnut, Goldsmith, Petersen, Ballard and Hogsett, mayor and senator Lugar, but especially Governor Mitch Daniels. They knew that Daniels had been effective for Indiana, America and Purdue. Did Daniels believe in this Civility miracle solution?
The older men argued day and night about Civility. “Civility must be too simple,” claimed the first man. He had heard stories that it ignores real differences and big solutions.
“No, you must be wrong,” argued the second man. “Civility is complicated, combining values and habits in search of perfection. That is why people struggle to follow it.”
“You’re wrong! Civility seeks compromise, the middle ground and the golden mean. It combines the best that participants can offer,” said the third man.
“Please,” said the fourth man. “You are all mistaken. Civility grandly guarantees that it can solve all problems and conflicts! You know how people exaggerate.”
“How can you be so naïve,” exclaimed the fifth man. “Civility simply rationalizes weak, overly sensitive behaviors that avoid conflict and deny human nature.”
“Civility ignores passion and the emotions,” cried the sixth man. “It eliminates feelings, values, and intuitions by emphasizing cold rationality alone.”
“I am sure that Civility is a leftist plot,” said the seventh man. “That would explain why it emphasizes the importance and legitimacy of government.”
“On the contrary,” declared the eighth man. “Civility is a Republican scheme to return to the 1950’s with its mindless emphasis on a single culture, morality, character and values.”
Finally, the neighbors grew tired of all the arguments, and arranged for the curious men to visit the home office of Mr. Daniels to learn the truth about Civility.
When the men reached the home a half-hour ahead of schedule, they were greeted by an old friend who managed the governor’s visitors. Their friend led them to a waiting room where they watched a 10-minute video on Civility. The retired men quickly began to argue.
The first man stood up and exclaimed. “Civility is just common sense, nothing special.”
The second man misquoted the video. “Civility claims that all people can get along and all problems can be solved,” he announced.
The third man disagreed. “I was right,” he decided. “Civility is a tool of the powerful to maintain the status quo.”
The fourth man criticized Civility’s idealism. “What we have here,” he said, “is a sort of cult, invoking magical practices to reach utopian ends.”
The fifth man responded, “Civility is hopelessly weak because it asserts that strong emotions, interpersonal relations, sensitivity and hospitality can mend all fences.”
The sixth man stated, “Civility is very powerful. It allows groups and individuals to acquire and use power for their own ends, while dismissing the needs and desires of others.”
The seventh man considered the actors in the presentation. “Civility elevates individuals and personal growth above church and community, so it must favor Democrats,” he said.
The eighth man was shocked. “Why, Civility is nothing more than a way for the powerful to reassert social control through norms, taboos and shunning,” he scoffed.
The governor’s aide led his friends to the kitchen. “Sit here and rest,” he said. “I will bring you something to drink.”
While they waited, the eight men talked about Civility.
“Civility is just politeness, rules and etiquette. It is a surface level approach,” said the first man. “Surely we can finally agree on that.”
“Just politeness? Civility aims to transform men, institutions and society” answered the second man.
“Transformation? Civility focuses just on process, promotes elite values and prevents real arguments and solutions” insisted the third man.
“It’s impossible for everyone to develop such powerful skills that effectively bridge real human differences,” said the fourth man.
“Civility merely assumes that better skills, processes and values can manage differences, conflicts and human nature through the forces of goodwill,” noted the fifth man.
“Civility provides a socially approved way for individuals to emphasize form over substance. They can perform in a civil manner without really addressing the needs of others,” cautioned the sixth man.
“Socialist subjectivity and radical tolerance. There’s no doubt,” said the seventh man.
“Don’t you see?” pleaded the eighth man. “Civility is intended to keep us occupied and distracted by small issues and away from the larger issues of systematic injustice. Someone is using Civility to trick us.”
Their argument continued and their shouts grew louder and louder.
It was Purdue President emeritus Daniels, disturbed by the noisy argument.
“How can each of you be so certain you are right?” asked the former governor.
The eight men considered the question. And then, knowing the budget director to be a very wise man, they decided to say nothing at all.
“Civility combines values, skills and behaviors to solve problems and build relations,” said Mr. Daniels. “Each of you exaggerates the importance of only one part. Perhaps if you put the parts together, you will see the truth. Now, let me finish my morning in peace.”
When their friend returned with drinks, the eight men rested quietly, thinking about their leader’s advice.
“He is right,” said the first man. “To learn the truth, we must put all the parts together. Let’s discuss this on the journey home.”
The first man found his seat on the senior bus. The second man found his seat, and so on until all eight men were ready to travel together.
Our current challenging social and political situation is driven by the root causes of individualism, skepticism secularism, inadequate myths, human nature and insecurity. In a word: negativity. Civility embraces constructiveness, intentionality and public-spiritedness as clearly “positive” values. It is also based upon the “positive” values of human dignity, respect and acceptance. Is it reasonable to be so positive in a time of negativity driven by politicians, the media and our fellow citizens? The answer is “yes”. We have chosen to emphasize our challenges rather than our accomplishments. Those who pursue Civility need to be aware of the reality of modern progress, conditions in all areas of life and realistic opportunities for change.
Overall Good News
Improvements in all areas of life since the 1976 bicentennial are amazing!
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Google AI Summary of Republican Party Opposition to Civility
Based on the provided search results, opposition from some members or factions of the Republican Party toward certain “civility movements” often stems from the view that such movements are used to silence legitimate political opposition, stifle aggressive accountability, or protect a “woke agenda”.
The arguments and perspectives from the search results suggest several reasons for this opposition:
View of Civility as Political Suppression: Some conservatives argue that calls for “civility” are a tool used by the left to de-legitimize passionate, tough, and direct opposition to their policies.
“Us-Versus-Them” Mentality: There is a belief among some, reflected in remarks by leaders like Mike Pence, that political rivals are not just wrong, but actively advancing an immoral or dangerous agenda, making compromise or polite discourse feel counterproductive to them.
Belief in Confrontational Politics: Many, particularly in the populist wing of the party, believe in aggressive, combative tactics that grab attention and stir up the base, rather than polite, quiet debate.
Perception of Double Standards: Some conservatives feel that the mainstream media and cultural institutions enforce a double standard, demanding civility from the right while overlooking harsh rhetoric or actions from the left.
Focus on Radical Change: Some Republicans view the current political climate as existential, where they are fighting to protect traditional values against rapid, fundamental societal changes, making “polite disagreement” feel inadequate.
Distrust of Elite Narratives: There is a strong feeling that the “civility movement” is promoted by the same “educated elite” that they believe has rigged the system, and that this movement is a way to stop conservatives from challenging that system.
These factors suggest that opposition to the “civility movement” is often not an opposition to polite behavior itself, but a rejection of what they perceive as a strategic tool to weaken their political power and silence their opposition.
Civility promotes communications as the only means to recognize existing or potential common ground. Civility does not prefer moderate political positions or the “conventional wisdom” of a time or political party. Civility does not oppose radically different positions on political issues, only the expression of positions which demonize the opposite position or its supporters. Robust debate is an essential part of what was once quaintly called “civil discourse”. Republicans are mistakenly merging Civility with the alleged restriction of “free speech” by some universities, organizations and media outlets. Civility requires partisans to clearly express their values, interests and policies in order to identify potential shared interests and evaluate differences.
Civility is based upon the values of human dignity, respect and constructiveness. Participants are encouraged to set aside political differences and respect their common interests and humanity. The effective techniques of Civility separate the person from the policy. The Civility movement accepts and embraces differences as natural and unavoidable. https://tomkapostasy.com/2025/03/02/our-political-differences-are-not-going-away-and-thats-ok/
The Civility approach emphasizes rational conversation, interaction, evaluation and compromise. It does not discourage passionate expression of interests. It recognizes people as thinking, feeling and doing creatures. It argues that lasting resolution of policy disagreements requires better understanding and full participation of all interested parties. Short-term tactical victories are unlikely to be sustained without some “meeting of the minds”. This warning is especially relevant at the state and local level of politics and in daily life.
Civility is based upon the traditional values of human dignity, respect, acceptance, responsibility, constructiveness, intentionality and public-spiritedness. It is firmly grounded in the traditions of Western civilization and liberal democracy. Civility is not biased towards a far-left, postmodernist, secular society free of social norms and community. It recognizes the tension between the individual and the community, traditional and modern (WEIRD) and postmodern values but remains agnostic regarding the best solution other than the preservation of a communications and problem-solving framework. https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/7heEBq7oZnMvbSbJa/weird-morality#:~:text=purview%20of%20morality.-,Moral%20Foundations%20Theory,sanctity/degradation
The populist wing of the Republican party sounds like the far-left wing of the Democratic party. Civility is a tool of the other guys, unfair, biased, inadequate, ineffective, unreliable, soft, emotional and too slow. The Civility approach doesn’t support the simple polarizing approach of modern politics. It emphasizes facts, logic, values clarification, optimal means, compromises, discovery, short and long run trade-offs, all of the tools of the modern negotiator’s kitbag. It accepts that profound differences may remain in our political, economic and social realms. It is fundamentally a “glass half-full” approach. Civility argues that its approach is much more effective in the long run in finding reasonable solutions, minimizing deep pain for those who disagree and maintaining relationships that promote future solutions.
Good News 