Commentary: Teaching civility in political and civic discourse

Protesters burn trash cans during the demonstration downtown Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, during the inauguration of President Donald Trump. ( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)A desperado and a local sheriff slowly pace in opposite directions down a silent street. With a speed that can only come from the knowledge that one’s life is at risk, both men spin on their heels, drawing their pistols. Bam! Both discharge their weapons in near synchronization. One man is killed and the other mortally wounded. Neither man is victorious in this futile duel.

Society today has come a long way from the days of wild-west style showdowns where disagreements are settled with lead; however, many similarities…