“Civility’’ has become a catchphrase in media and politics for the discouragement of critical analysis. But Criticism doesn’t implicitly mean incivility. Elected officials should be viewed through a critical lens, especially by journalists, who are trained to not accept statements from politicians at face value.
civility
‘White Privilege’? The Accusation Is Not Constructive.
Though these words are commonly used, use of “white privilege” can decrease support for racially progressive policies, increase online political polarization and lead to lower quality conversations on social media. In particular, the term drives some whites who would otherwise support efforts toward racial equality away from online conversations.
Palm Coast at a Crossroad: Assassins of Civility or Governance
Ed Danko and Victor Barbosa since their election have turned the Palm Coast council into an embarrassment. The two are vying for a third vote in Alan Lowe and the mayor’s seat. That potential majority risks turning the city into a mirror of the toxic trio.
‘It’s News to Me,’ Barbosa Tells Council of His Alleged Fugitive Status, Before Meeting Tips Into Brawl Again
The Palm Coast City Council’s five-hour workshop today had its share of tense moments before devolving again into a verbal brawl as Victor Barbosa professed ignorance about the allegations behind his apparent fugitive status before verbally dueling with Mayor Eddie Branquinho again.
Emails May Be ‘Disgusting,’ But Judge Dismisses Part of NRA Lobbyist Hammer’s Lawsuit
A federal judge said Hammer was not threatened and the ugly emails she received are protected by the First Amendment. She received emails she objected to from three other men.
Protest and the Double-Edged Sword of ‘Civility’
Uncivil action may be a necessary strategy, just as civil disobedience, bearing witness, and making politicians uncomfortable were critical to the civil rights movement.
Arresting Speakers at a Government Meeting: Supreme Court Takes Up Florida 1st Amendment Case
Fane Lozman alleges that a south Florida city violated his First Amendment rights by retaliating against him for his outspoken criticism during his public comment period.
School Board Chairman Colleen Conklin On the Trump Election: “Words Matter”
In light of the swastika incident at Palm Coast’s Imagine School and many other hurtful or vile statements during the election campaign, the school board chairman calls on local leaders to denounce messages that erode trust and respect.
Palm Coast Councilman Calls for Task Force to Address Public Abuse of Government Workers
At Council member Bill McGuire’s request, the city formed a task force to better protect government employees from what he says has become routine abuse in person, by phone, by email, and out on the streets where government workers often interact with residents.
In Search of Civility in Our Political Life
How have we reached a point when anger, obstructionism, bipartisanship and manufactured crises have replaced diplomacy, cooperation, negotiation and problem solving? Paula Dockery asks and answers.
Palm Coast Councilman Frank Meeker Petitions for Civility Manifesto in 2012 Elections
Whether a candidate is worthy of political office should be decided by free and clear elections, not tainted by character assassination and media hype, Frank Meeker argues, laying out a 10-point “Statement on Election Fairness” for 2012.
Backyard Beirut: Florida’s NRA-Loaded Gun Rules Drill Bullets In Local Ordinances
Guns in child care centers. Guns in county parks. Guns at city hall. All allowed now in Florida. So is your neighbor’s right to shoot off guns in the backyard, even if bullets stray over to yours as Florida’s NRA-inspired gun laws pre-empt local reason.
Against Civility
More handshakes, fewer guns and Fox news sounding more like NPR won’t make us a better country. Fewer assassinations of reason, of facts, of character, and of course of people might.