Wake-Up Call: A very civil insurrection

At a round of town-hall meetings on health care that kick off today, first-term congresswoman Betsy Markey will hand out copies (abridged) of a George Washington favorite, "Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation," originally a 110-item list of Jesuit guidelines for civil behavior. Great idea, but...

By Patricia Calhoun

August 18, 2009

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At a round of town-hall meetings on health care that kick off today, first-term congresswoman Betsy Markey will hand out copies (abridged) of a George Washington favorite, "Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation," originally a 110-item list of Jesuit guidelines for civil behavior.

Great idea, but it raises two questions: Did she send a copy to Dick Wadhams, chair of the Colorado Republican Party, who's labeled Markey's small-form meetings a "sham"? And if so, what did he make of this: "In the Presence of Others, Sing not to yourself with a humming Noise, nor Drum with your Fingers or Feet."

And why didn't the crafters of the huge, convoluted health-care bill follow this rule: "Let your Discourse with Men of Business Be Short and Comprehensive."

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Patricia Calhoun is editor-in-chief of Westword, the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on Colorado Inside Out, PBS 12's public affairs roundtable, which has won two Emmys.

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