Incivility is pervasive
Did you watch the Grammys last week, or see the more outrageous clips on TV? U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement appeared to be the target of many stars at the gaudy awards show. Numerous attendees wore “ICE Out” lapel pins in opposition to ICE’s raids in Minneapolis.
And the word of the night began with an “f.”
Misguided, off-color attacks are not limited to entertainment awards ceremonies; it’s noisier in the political arena, where news of the day can be racked with insults, name-calling, and even threats and attacks on ICE enforcing federal immigration policies. As sad as this is, we should be more concerned that incivility in politics, tolerated as the new norm, also is spinning off into the internet and workplace.
More recently, with crucial midterm elections ahead, Democrats are zeroing in on Trump’s immigration operations in sanctuary cities and supporting mounting protests of ICE raids as in Minneapolis this past month. The arrest of criminal illegal immigrants has engaged other Democrats who join in a barrage of ugly name-calling, often from their seats in Congress. ICE agents were called “Nazis” and “masked hoodlums,” and Republican leaders, including the president, were subjected to such cringeworthy epithets, as “fascists” and “Hitler.”
The vitriolic noise reached a new high in January, spreading to other big cities nationwide and dominating newscasts. What happened to civility you may ask? Civility is another word for “politeness,” and perhaps an old-fashioned relic that’s slipped away, replaced by smears and personal attacks mimicking street fights.
Recent crowded protests in hotbeds like Minneapolis were fired up by politicians seeking the political annihilation of their opponents, not problem-solving. And the media and Hollywood chime in, along with left-wing groups and professional protest attendees – all adding to the extreme polarization we see today.
Polarization? Angry Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) calls it “war.”
Notably, ICE in Minneapolis faced greater resistance after the shooting deaths of two alleged protestors at the hands of ICE officers claiming self-defense. Both cases remain under investigation. Soon after, Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, was sent to negotiate an agreement with Minnesota authorities. In less than a week, the angry rhetoric toned down, Homan announced progress in getting access to jails where criminal illegal immigrants were held and ultimately arranged a cooperative agreement between Minneapolis and ICE. Also, 700 ICE officers were withdrawn from the city this week as part of the agreement.
Books have been written about civility — or the lack of it — in politics, government, and everyday American life. Everyone sees the ugliness.
Incivility was topical in the Obama years but reached new heights in 2016 with the arrival of Donald Trump — businessman, entertainer, critic — who is proud of his aggressive style of politicking. But when people in high places mistrust and dislike their opponents, using intemperate language, it opens the door for local politicians and partisans to do the same. I believe this is why rage took over in Minneapolis and the governor and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey must take some responsibility for it.
It’s not clear how campaigns and partisanship will achieve “civil debate” in the future, but everyone should try to reset the tone. Immigration policies should be debated by thoughtful legislators in the hallowed halls of Congress, not on the street. Disagreement shouldn’t mean ugliness.
Pat Wandling hosts Speak Your Piece weekdays at noon on WBCB 1490.
