'No labels' might help with civility

The recent horrifying shootings in Arizona should be a wake-up call to all Americans. While we do not yet know all the facts, we do know enough already to say that something is deeply wrong with our national discourse.

We must use this moment to ask some hard questions of ourselves. What can each one of us do to start engaging each other with more civility and respect? How can we see each other not as opponents or enemies—but first as fellow Americans whose quality of life will rise or fall on how well we solve our problems together? And how can we demand this civil behavior from our elected leaders?

Further, how can we, the majority of reasonable, pragmatic citizens, prevent being drowned out by the minority of vitriolic voices on the extreme fringes that command more media coverage? We can and must change our national dialogue — in our own self-interest. The good news is that it has already begun. Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and nonpolitical citizens are coming together in local discussion groups in cities across the country, including Metropolitan Chicago.

This nonprofit, nonpartisan movement is called No Labels. Simply put, its members believe in the value of country over party. No Labels intends to play a constructive role in pressuring our elected officials and encouraging local citizens to reject the accusations and posturing that has engulfed our political discourse, and that is paralyzing our ability to self-govern to ensure America's future.

The consequences of polarization and stalemate have never been greater, because the issues we face have never been more complicated or more serious. The time for reasonable people to act is now. For more information, go to nolabels.org or call 202-588-1990.

Carol Gies Dietz

Lisle