Rabbi’s Corner – A Civil Union Edition

Dear Friends,

In his remarks following the tragic shooting in Tucson Arizona, President Barack Obama eloquently contextualized the tragedy and called for an end to the incendiary, accusatory political rhetoric to which we are accustomed.  It is worth citing the President’s words directly:

But what we can’t do is use this tragedy as one more occasion to turn on one another.  As we discuss these issues, let each of us do so with a good dose of humility.  Rather than pointing fingers or assigning blame, let us use this occasion to expand our moral imaginations, to listen to each other more carefully, to sharpen our instincts for empathy, and remind ourselves of all the ways our hopes and dreams are bound together…

The loss of these wonderful people should make every one of us strive to be better in our private lives – to be better friends and neighbors, co-workers and parents.  And if, as has been discussed in recent days, their deaths help usher in more civility in our public discourse, let’s remember that it is not because a simple lack of civility caused this tragedy, but rather because only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face up to our challenges as a nation, in a way that would make them proud.

Unfortunately it seems that this new era of civility was short lived.  In this past week alone, Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) compared political opponents to Hitler and the KKK in two separate statements.  Of course such statements are hardly new.  There is an old internet adage called Godwin’s Law which states, “As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1.”

Why is it so difficult to maintain a civil political discourse? For one, it’s obviously easier to insult than to argue.   I’d also suggest it is easier to evoke an emotional or visceral reaction in one’s audience than it is to convince people rationally of one’s position.  Every time we automatically react to allegations or name calling, we give tacit justification for using incendiary language.

To be sure, sometimes extreme analogies are appropriate, but they must be used sparingly and never at the expense of reason.  While we cannot control the statements of others, it is up to us to determine their effectiveness.  If we as a constituency give more credence to reason than emotion, we can help our nation become a more civil union.
Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Josh Yuter