A Civil Candidate We Can Rely On...Dan Proft

As parents, we often find ourselves trying to teach our children respectful ways to deal with one another. While name calling and aggression are not tolerated in my house, this is the message that our children see on a daily basis.  And it is never more present that during an election season.

At the beginning of 2010, my friend Jackie posted something on Facebook regarding the Civility Project.  The project was launched by Mark DeMoss and asks people to pledge to be civil in public discourse and behavior, respect others whether or not they agree, and stand against incivility. "I think more people than we realize are clamoring for more respectful debate, especially on politics," he says. "People are getting turned off to the entire system, Republicans and Democrats."  DeMoss has joined with Democratic thinker Lanny Davis in this project, and both are careful to point out that civility doesn't mean unity. Americans will never agree on everything. Furthermore, civility doesn't simply mean being nice. "There are pragmatic and practical reasons for civility," he says. "It is virtually impossible to have constructive dialogue or to inform and educate people in an uncivil environment."

The concept makes sense.  I am intrigued by this and wondered if it was really a practical approach in this day and age.  Considering all the bantering and name calling that has occurred over the past year and a half, and continues now, I am very happy to have found a candidate for Illinois governor that I can believe in, and that I believe practices the art of civility. 

Dan Proft has demonstrated that he not only knows the job of governor isn't an easy one but also has provided his plan for "unfixing" Illinois.  During a time where other candidates are comparing their record with mudslinging, Proft has been able to respectfully distinguish himself from the other candidates.  He answers the tough questions and never hesitates to get out and meet the people of Illinois.  If you haven't had a chance to learn more about him, take a moment to see what he stands for at http://www.proft2010.com/ .  We all could use a little more civility in Illinois, and on February 2nd, we will have the chance to personally demand it.

Now...if only we could practice this art of civility in all aspects of our lives.  This is my goal for 2010.  Can you make it yours?