Encourages residents of NJ to treat one another civilly amid period of increased political violence.
The resolution calls on citizens to engage in more courteous interactions, proposing that a collective effort towards kindness can foster goodwill throughout New Jersey. It argues that enhancing civility can alleviate stress and improve daily life for residents, thus contributing positively to society at large. Furthermore, it positions civility not as a legal requirement but as a cultural aspiration that the community should strive for, especially in the face of frustrations that arise from everyday living in densely populated areas.
Senate Resolution No. 108 was introduced in New Jersey to encourage residents to treat one another with civility, especially amid increasing political violence in recent years. The resolution references historical incidents of political violence, including the attacks on U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords and former President Donald Trump, highlighting the urgent need for civility in public discourse. It emphasizes that civility is rooted in a sense of community and mutual respect among individuals, drawing parallels with the ideas of Aristotle, who viewed civility as a form of friendship.
While the resolution is primarily an appeal for a cultural shift in behavior, it does implicitly address broader political dynamics. By condemning acts of political violence, it pushes elected representatives to set positive examples, thereby highlighting the lawmakers' responsibility in influencing public behavior. The resolution suggests a non-partisan approach to building a respectful community, yet it acknowledges that political rhetoric has aggravated tensions, positioning the resolution as both a reflective and forward-looking statement regarding political and social interactions in New Jersey.