Mid-Year Call to Civility

We are a little past mid-way through another year marked by fear and distrust. From race to terror, sexual liberty to religious liberty, mass shootings to gun rights, this Country and this state—Texas—continuously appear divided. And yet, neither the Country nor the state of Texas has fallen apart or devolved into complete anarchy (much to some libertarians’ dissatisfaction). Why?

The answer remains unchanged by time. Disagreement is natural, especially in a heterogeneous society, among heterogeneous people with different backgrounds, beliefs, ideas, expectations, goals and desires. Most of us are committed, nonetheless, to some basic principles: That every person is to be afforded the greatest liberty compatible with the liberty of any other person, and that every person receive equal treatment under law and equal concern by those who govern. We may continue to disagree on so many issues (including the scope and contour of liberty and equality), but we always return to these core political principles.

Our core political principles infuse a desire to cooperate toward and strive for something better for all, namely a peaceable and sustainable society wherein people are afforded the greatest liberty and treated equally under law. We may disagree on how to achieve our common ends, and we may disagree from time to time over the content that informs our common ends (i.e., what is meant or entailed by “liberty” and “equality”), but we continue to try to work together despite disagreement, despite fear and distrust. We constantly look for ways to trust each other and dispel fear because we value civil society and find it worthwhile to preserve.

This year the Texas Legislature passed some very controversial legislation. And, with a special legislative session starting, the Texas Legislature may pass some more controversial legislation within the next thirty days. Proponents and opponents alike should zealously advocate for their positions, with a proviso: That in promoting one view over another you do not diminish the dignity of any other person. This proviso may often be met simply by lending civility to your position, that is, advocating your position in respectful disagreement with another and a view to seeking common ground.