By Howard Monroe
Civility doesn’t come from the end of a wagging finger, but from ongoing conversation.
My colleague and friend, TJ Meadows – cohost of “Statewide Talkline” – recently posted a commentary about Town hall meetings that often turn into shouting matches.
TJ took note of a contentious town hall in Nebraska.
At the center of the debate: the One Big Beautiful Bill.
Critics took aim at what they described as deep cuts to safety net programs – including Medicaid, SNAP, and health research. They argued the bill would harm vulnerable groups, particularly working families and veterans. Some shared personal stories about how such programs were essential to their lives.
Congressman Flood defended the legislation by pointing to projected tax savings and promises of increased hospital funding in Nebraska. But his explanations fell flat with many in the crowd, who viewed them as out of touch or unpersuasive.
Yes, it is embarrassing to watch some of these “Jerry Springer show style“ town halls that lead to much sound and fury, with no light.
But it is the logical extension of constituents who feel completely disregarded and unheard, whose elected officials – (I’m talking to you Senators Capito and Justice and Congressman Moore) – only greet the public under controlled circumstances or press briefings.
If you don’t want to get yelled at, try talking WITH and not AT – or worse, DOWN TO – your constituents.
Social media, the outrage machine of much of talk TV, and certainly the crude, classless divisiveness that comes from the White House are all part of the problem as well.
Former congressman, Dave McKinley, and I are about as far apart politically as you can get.
But he was a frequent guest on my show, we would discuss and debate the issues of the day, and off the air we’d greet each other with a smile and a heartfelt “how are you doing?”.
Respect.
Maybe we should try it every once in a while.