5 Tips for Improving Public Discourse

The following was written by Convention of States National Legislative Strategist Rita Dunaway and originally published onWND.com.

One of the best things about the Christmas season is the way it seems to soften our rough edges. Most of us tend to be a little less demanding, a little more generous and a little less focused on ourselves this time of year.

What would it be like if we could carry this advent season attitude adjustment into our public discourse – and make it permanent? Here are my prescriptions for elevating our discussions about politics and public policy. (Hey, media: I’m talking to you, too!)

1. Don’t assume the worst about those who disagree with you. We have such a bad habit of demonizing people because they disagree with us about issues. Christians who hold to Scripture’s teachings on gender, marriage and the family are referred to as “bigots” or “haters.” I know there are plenty of truly bigoted, hateful people out there, but it is simply wrong to make this assumption about everyone who has opted out of our culture’s redefining of these fundamental concepts.For another example, listen to how the left talks about conservatives who object to expanding big government programs designed to alleviate poverty and other societal problems. Liberals assume that anyone who opposes the Affordable Care Act or Medicaid expansion is cold-hearted or selfish. But the reality is that while conservatives oppose the big government programs, our demographic is also the most highly engaged in all forms of private, personal charity.