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What happened to "Civility" in US Society?

Civility is defined as a formal politeness in behavior and speech. As the Commander of the US European Command retired Admiral James G. Stavridis listed "civility" as one of the traits of a true professional. After recent events in the Untied States I have to question, what happened to civility?

I have no doubt that this post will offend someone and for this I apologize as I mean no offense. Instead, I would like to return to the days of a "civil society," where when one disagrees with you, it does not make them guilty of a hate crime. When democracy called for public argument to uncover truths.

When I was young I learned to say "Please" and "Thank you" and treat adults with respect. From my interaction with youth today, basic manners are a lost art. As I grew up I was introduced to Emily Post and Miss Manners as resources to use when I wasn't sure of the correct etiquette. These are resources I still use today and am grateful they are available online. I realize some may think that proper behavior is a thing of the past. I find this troubling.

I don't think it is appropriate to curse out the barista at a coffee house or a fast food worker when my order is wrong. I couldn't find a reference source about when it is appropriate to give an obscene gesture, but did find some on what gestures were obscene in different cultures. I am fairly certain that is never appropriate to give an obscene gesture to a world leader.

Despite my blog post last year supporting third parties and my recent Facebook and Twitter posts supporting Puerto Rico; I have no doubt that some will label me as evil, simply for making a case for civility.

I hope I am wrong.

I have faith in the American people and that we can be a civil society again.

We can have honest discourse without labeling, obscenities, and name calling.

Please...Bring back civility into American society...Please.

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