WASHINGTON,
D. C. – July 4, 2018
The American family is sad to announce the
death of Civility. Born in 1776, Civility was present at the country’s founding
and was carefully nurtured by her Founding Fathers including George Washington,
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Her enduring effect can be seen throughout the
nation’s founding documents including the Constitution and the Declaration of
Independence.
Over the years, Civility helped a young
nation grow and thrive assisted by her siblings Reason and Compromise. Her calming
presence allowed for difficult issues to be discussed sensibly often leading to
mutually acceptable solutions.
Hers was not an easy life and, in fact, in
the early 1860s, she was hit with a life-threatening ailment called the Civil
War. Despite four years of severe illness, Civility persevered and helped
oversee the reunification of the nation.
In every age and era, Civility came under
attack from many sides but usually was able to transcend the petty squabbles of
the day and overcome many strident differences. Her ever-present equanimity
helped defeat historical demons like bigotry, hatred and inequality. She was
even able to survive such nasty pestilences as Jim Crow and the KKK.
It was not advancing years that felled
Civility for even at the age of 165 during the early 1940s, she was able to
unite the nation in its fight against fascism and tyranny. She became a shining
beacon and a glowing example for all citizens of the world.
It was hoped that Civility could continue
to prosper, thrive and grow and thereby spread her good cheer everywhere.
However, in recent years, she made fewer and fewer public appearances and was
quickly forgotten and ignored.
The nascence of her fatal illness is hard
to identify. Some say it began ten years ago with the advent of the Birther
Movement. Others believe her fate was sealed in the presidential campaign of
2016 which was marked by a precipitous increase in name-calling, vitriol and ad hominem attacks. The proliferation of
lies, slander and hate-filled invective clearly took a toll on her failing
health.
Much of the blame for Civility’s decline
can be placed on one party, possibly even one man. Doctors attending at her
deathbed noted multiple wounds and cuts inflicted upon her just within the last
two years.
Civility’s body was riddled with racist
sleights, character assassination, gross exaggerations and outright lies. Even
when the source of these attacks was identified, they were repeated again and
again with few persons intervening to stop them.
People from all sides pretended to
befriend Civility but their actions were often disingenuous or too little, too
late. In fact, many people began to engage in uncivil retaliations themselves
thereby further endangering the Public Discourse and undermining Civility’s
chances for survival.
On her deathbed, Civility was surrounded
by many well wishers but few true supporters. Some paid homage to her
achievements but the praise was hollow and ineffective and did little to stem
the onrushing tide of boorish attacks.
Civility was predeceased by Tolerance,
Patience and Politeness. She is survived by her ailing mother Democracy who
many fear does not have long to live.
A memorial service for Civility will be
held on November 6th. In lieu of flowers or donations, mourners are
urged to exercise their franchise.
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