The Times of Northwest Indiana on Sunday published an op-ed piece by Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill encouraging political leaders and citizens alike to practice civility in all interactions. Hill wrote the piece after attending a banquet April 13 in Hobart, Indiana, in celebration of World Civility Day.
Hill drew upon episodes from U.S. history showing that incivility in American political discourse began early in the nation’s experience – such as when Thomas Jefferson paid a journalist to publish scathing insults of rival John Adams.
“Every generation, it seems, must fight the same temptations,†Hill wrote. “We should admire those leaders who resist such impulses and show grace to their political foes.â€
Hill lauded former President Ronald Reagan as an example of someone who practiced civility.
“You can hold onto your convictions while at the same time negotiating with people of different views,†Hill wrote. “A degree of flexibility is often necessary to move forward any positive agenda.â€
You can read the entire piece at The Times of Northwest Indiana’s website.
If you would like to run a version of the op-ed in your publication, please contact Press Secretary Corey Elliot at Corey.Elliot@atg.in.gov or (317) 233-3970. Elliot can provide a version of the op-ed appropriate to audiences in all regions. (The annual World Civility Day tradition in Northwest Indiana is well-known to the NWI Times’ audience.)
