Readers write

What activities are you already involved in where folks share in conversations? For example, many belong to book clubs, adult education classes in their churches, mosques, and synagogues. Other people have especially active neighborhood associations, and some others have library programs. So why not add to or adjust these already existing agendas to include civil conversations on so many of the topics that are on our minds?

People who have participated in National Issues Forums, Better Angels, and other respectful and poignant civic engagement programs know these conversations can be moderated and facilitated to illuminate respect, honesty, and yes, a capacity to disagree better.

What does it take for democracy to work as it should? A willingness to openly talk, to deeply listen, and figure out what we have in common and where we differ with others in our communities. Many stellar podcasts are approximately 30 minutes and would be a great starting place for so many book clubs, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute or other adult (young and older) education groups.

Civility and mutual respect are not taught at home. Today’s children are not being taught to be responsible adults, as is painfully evident in any public gathering where children are free to roam and disturb civil behavior.

Recently, I was denied entrance into a public facility by two children swinging on the doorway without any parental control. Civility and mutual respect are apparently not evident on social media, which is the only guidance some children receive.

While at a restaurant, my wife and I were waiting to be seated along with others, adults and children, who were thoroughly invested in their cellphones, which were practically inserted into their nostrils. No notice given to their surroundings. No signs of civility and mutual respect. Tattoos aplenty on a young father’s legs who was waiting with his young infant child, not yet old enough to have its own source of guidance.

When did we become a nation that cares so little about one another? Regardless of your party affiliation, we cannot continue to turn our backs and pretend this doesn’t exist. We claim to be a nation founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs. How much must happen before good people rise up and say enough!

I noticed both our Georgia senators, Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, voted to shut down the government, not President Donald Trump. Of course, it shouldn’t be a surprise since they vote however the Democratic Party tells them to.

It would be nice to have congressional representatives who support Georgia values.