La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

Meaning of civility, according to my phone and Webster: to be courteous, polite, respectful, reflect concern for others, tactful. The last sentence under letter policy in this paper reads: “Letters are edited for civility, clarity and style.”

It is the word “civility” that causes me to write today. I love this country, and I am sorely aware of the political differences. My husband, my elderly mother and I moved to La Conner almost four years ago and were glad to know this small town had its own newspaper.

I recall that recently the La Conner Weekly News editor wrote that this is a “community” paper. Of course I want to pull together with others in this community to help make it a place which belongs to all residing here. I have no doubt that if my house caught on fire, neighbors, the fire department, strangers passing by would come to help any way they could. I would not be asked about my political or religious beliefs in order to receive help. So it is when our priorities and concerns focus on being a fellow human being.

Only when we take offense at another citizen’s belief, use hostile, disparaging remarks because they have a different perspective, only then do we divide and have no room for another’s right to believe the way their conscience dictates.

Respect for others and their right to see things differently is my heartfelt plea to this community. I learned, a long time ago, that not everything I read, see or hear is necessarily the truth; but I must research all areas to find it.

Nancy Burlison

Shelter Bay