Civility on marriage debate appreciated in Olympia

While I am extremely gratified that marriage equality is moving forward in our society, I am more impressed with the civility, grace, dignity and respect demonstrated by those on both sides of the aisle.

 

Reflecting on the marriage equality debate and passage in the Washington state Senate: While I am extremely gratified that this important evolution of equality is moving forward in our society, I am more impressed with the civility, grace, dignity and respect demonstrated by those on both sides of the aisle. This is the behavior I want to see more of in all aspects of our society, but even more in our government and our elected officials.

I submit that some candidates, particularly in the recent primaries on the national scene in this major election year, have already disqualified themselves by this standard. Do you want people willing to behave this way representing our country in the eyes of the world, despite any individual perspective on any given issue you or they may hold.

I will strive to keep this example before my eyes as I exercise my citizenship, and as I interact with others. I hope I see these same behaviors continue in the rest of the legislative session in Olympia as we wrestle with other issues facing our state. Maybe we can demonstrate to Washington. D.C., too.

Sharon Taubel, Bellevue