If we can't agree, let's at least be civil

We're not so naive as to think we can all get along, but how about eking out a little civility toward one another now and then?

This isn't New York City, after all. This is the Midwest, where we're supposed to be warm all year 'round. At least toward one another.

Whatever happened to please and thank you, discussing rather than shouting, asking rather than accusing, not interrupting and not rubbing people's noses in it?

We're not talking just about politics here, although political divides in this country are deeper than we've seen in a very long time. The chasm between many of us grows with the sharpness of our tongues.

It's just not healthy; it kills constructive dialogue; creates barriers to progress. And it teaches our kids that it's all right to act this way.

We've seen plenty of bad behavior lately:

• South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson shouting "You lie!" at a recent address by President Barack Obama. Really, you don't hear catcalls like that in the House of Commons much anymore.

• Serena Williams swearing a blue streak at a line judge, which cost her a point and her match. It doesn't matter that the line judge made a bad call. That kind of tirade has no place in any sport.

• Michael Jordan, in what should have been his most gracious moment at last week's Basketball Hall of Fame induction, running down players and coaches alike in one of the most narcissistic displays we can recall. Something about being the greatest of all time requires a modicum of humility. At least with Muhammad Ali, the bravado was schtick.

• Chicagoan Kanye West stealing the mic from 19-year-old Taylor Swift during her big moment at the Video Music Awards to tell the world Beyoncé really should have won the award.

Thankfully, we've also seen some examples of real grace.

• At the Hall of Fame induction, it was appropriate that former Jazz guard John Stockton, the man with more assists than anyone else, thanked virtually everyone in the state of Utah without a single boast. And former Bull Jerry Sloan gave a moving speech that simply and gratefully chronicled his journey.

• Tiger Woods, a man who battles himself more than anyone else on the course, is always gracious in victory or defeat, proving that again with his win at the BMW.

• Beyoncé made it right for Swift when she brought her on stage during what should have been Beyoncé's moment.

• And every last golfer for both the U.S. and Europe at the recent Solheim Cup golf tournament in Sugar Grove comported her self like a champion.

Perhaps the instantaneous and largely electronic nature of conversation these days has damaged our impulse control. Perhaps people are merely on edge because of the economy.

Either way, it would benefit all of us if we just minded our p's and q's. Thank you.