Choosing Civility, one more time

I've been itching to post some more thoughts and feelings on "Choose Civility", but then I think of all the linking and leg work that I'll have to do for the post.  After this I just get lazy and don't post anything, as obvious as my lack of posting for days.  Anyway, with no links and no real substance I just have to post what I've seen lately about "Choose Civility".

Apparently the "Choose Civility" initiative is moving into Phase 2 operations.  I'm not sure what Phase 2 means, but hopefully they figure out that associating civility with driving is just not going to cut it.  Ken Ulman (I think I have the spelling right, hell I don't even know who he is, other than some HoCo exec.), recently commented on the fact that the "Choose Civility" campaign has cause some to created the spin-offs "Choose Senility" and "Choose Hostility" and he proclaimed that these spin-offs should be viewed as compliments to the campaign.

Wow, I beg to differ, especially the "Choose Hostility" spin-off.  These spin-offs are in no way a form of flattery.  In fact, I would view them as a means of highlighting how much of a mockery the "Choose Civility" campaign really is.  I mean come on, everyone and I mean everyone sees the "Choose Civility" bumper magnets and immediately associates it with the act of driving.  Then they view the individual with the bumper magnet driving like a jackass and proclaim that this person in no way is civil.  The campaign, as far as I can tell, in no way is meant to be associated with civil driving.  It would be a great by-product, but "we got a long way to go, baby" when it comes to being a more civil HoCo.

Civility conjures up a sense of being responsible for ones actions.  This is America, are you kidding me, we gave up responsibility a long time ago.  I applaud the individuals that do take the campaign seriously and I applaud the individuals that are responsible for their own actions, but a more civil, a more responsible America isn't going to happen overnight or by me placing a bumper magnet on my car proclaiming my Civility.

Choose Civility, but can you drive

Yesterday, Ryan Ballengee, over at EHHC commented on a opinion by Heather Vaughn in the Columbia Flier on her take on the Choose Civility bumper magnets.

I agree with both Ryan and Heather that the magnets don't give drivers any special pass when it comes to poor driving.  Ryan then questions the point of purpose for the Choose Civility magnets.

People in the county are associating Choose Civility with driving smarter.

I must admit that I'm in the majority that thinks this way.  Maybe HoCo Public Library's intent was to not connect the two or maybe it was.  Unfortunately, by having a car magnet associated with the Choose Civility initiative, it is only a natural step to connect the two for many people. 

I've always thought that the magnets should be changed to "Choose Civility, but continue driving like an asshole".  Too bad this slogan is too long winded or my car would have one.

It's also unfortunate that many make the above association because civility shouldn't start on the roadways, civility should start with your neighbors.  How many of you socialize with your neighbors or even know your neighbors?  I know that my family doesn't talk to many of our neighbors and that many of our neighbors go out of their way to avoid socializing.  It's too bad that our society is this way, but in the end, if you can't be civil with your neighbors, then you definitely won't be civil on the roadways.