The United States is undergoing serious splintering that threatens, not only relationships, but also politics and society as a whole. Divisions are emphasized. Disagreements turn into name-calling and castigating. Issues are sharply painted in right or wrong, ethical and unethical, intelligent or unenlightened colors. The country’s motto is E Pluribus Unum, out of many, one. Philosophy and principle, not force or fear, unite the country through ideals that celebrate the sovereignty and authority of all citizens. Education has an essential role. An educated citizenry is essential to understand issues and engage in a rational and civil conversation about how to address them. Education must explore civil dialogue to bring people together and engage constructively about democratic principles and values. This book explores principles and expectations for a democratic society, and how differences can be approached civilly to explore and define solutions. Citizens must engage in respectful conversations to build greater understanding. Differences are inevitable in democratic republic by its very nature. Civility is essential for citizens to engage in self-government.

"It has been about three full decades since courtesy and politeness have been the rule and not the exception in the halls of Congress. Partly this is due to the technological advances in social media that permit anonymous slanders, misrepresentations, and false information to flourish in our national discourse. Partly it is due to the political and cultural radicalization of the general populace. Partly it is due to the overwhelming influence of money and greed as a corrupting factor in our politics, our media, and in our economics. And partly it is due to the abolition of Civics classes in our school system curriculums. In Civility Lost: The Media, Politics, and Education, these factors and more are identified, along with the principles that are fundamentally necessary for the health and continuance of a democracy . . . unreservedly recommended."" - Midwest Book Review