Civility is defined as polite and/or courteous behavior. Recently my father asked me what ever happened to civility, common courtesy, and respect for others. It gave me something to seriously ponder and think about and all I could muster was …. I don’t know.

I’m certainly aware that I am not always the most civil person in the world but it is something that I am certainly working on and strive towards being a more well rounded, positive, respectful person. I never mean ill will towards anyone but I have certainly not done the best job in decision making and word choices in the past.

But the issue doesn’t reside solely in me. I see this lack of civility everywhere I go. At work, at home, in the community, on the Bedford Chatter.

At work a few weeks ago I had a woman screaming at me that she was going to smoke in the rental, make sure her dog shed it’s hair all over the place, and not replace the fuel in the vehicle. All this because her car had broke down which is clearly NOT something I had anything to do with. Now granted she had every right to be frustrated because she has had mechanical issues with her vehicle but did this give her the right to act towards me this way? I didn’t build her car nor have I ever worked on it. Finally, I was able to get her into a vehicle (which she complained about the type of vehicle she was given) and she squawked the tires as she drove away. This is one example of many that have happened recently. I suppose what made this particular story great to me was that later that day I found out her car stalled and broke down because it was out of gas!!

At home I see things happen too. We’re a young family and we don’t see much of each other. My wife and I generally work opposite schedules so that one of us is always with the kids. Sometimes cooler heads don’t prevail. And having kids … well if they’re not behaving we all know our blood can boil a wee bit quicker. Every family goes through this and ultimately it makes you stronger. I love my wife and my children more than anything in this world and I wish and hope the best for them.

In the community .. this is something that bothers me more so than the others. My father was telling me that he had an opportunity to speak with George Welling, the republican running for Township Clerk. My dad informed him that we (as a family) were longtime friends of Bob Schockman, the democrat running for the same position, but my dad allowed Mr. Welling his opportunity to speak. One of the things that George shared with him was the countless horrible things he has been called on the campaign trail - words including m’effer and more. How disappointing and terrible. While I won’t be voting for Mr. Welling he deserves to be commended for his time and efforts and desires to be a part of our township government.

And finally I mentioned the Bedford Chatter. Perhaps its the anonymity of the internet which makes people ’stronger’. I don’t really know what it is. I have been repeatedly assailed on the forum itself. The newest member has a moniker of NOMOREKEITH. I have had my college degree compared to a worthless piece of paper, been told that because of the amount of time I spend on the forum I must not have a family. I even had someone, before I came out and announced who I am, figure out who I am and where I live and mail me township memos to my home; something I didn’t ask for.

I have seen people say unsavory things about public officials, other poster, folks in the news, etc. For what? Why? I don’t know and I don’t have an answer for it. I do know though that if I hadn’t grown up here its this type of behavior that may make me wish to move to a different community if I were looking for somewhere to live in this area. I love Bedford and that is a large reason as to why we moved back here. I know it to be a safe community, great schools for my kids, and it is a place I want to live and be an active participant within the community.   

To my community I want to let you know that I am trying to change my ways and lend my positive voice. I hope you’re noticing a changed tone when it comes to me. I will continue to challenge those that wish to challenge me and I welcome the opportunity at sprited and respectful debate. I hope that all of you will find it within yourselves to join me in leading the charge back to civility. We may not always agree and we may not always see eye-to-eye but I hope that we can at least chose to do so respectfully.