Abilene author Glenn Dromgoole has launched a new website to promote civility.

“Over the years, I’ve written a lot about civility in books and articles,” Dromgoole said. “I just wanted to establish a presence on the web to encourage us to be more respectful in our relationships and our politics.”

The website, MoreCivilityPlease.com, contains 16 entries – or “reflections” – that are accessible at no charge. They include such topics as:

• 101 Ways to Spread a Little Civility.
• We Are Not Enemies.
• We Have the Power to Make a Difference.
• An Attitude of Gratitude.
• A Little Cup of Kindness.

Dromgoole, former editor of the Abilene Reporter-News and author of 35 books, said he is concerned about the state of civility, or respect, not only in the political arena but in family, business, and social relationships.

“But it’s certainly not a lost cause,” he said. “There are plenty of things we can do to help restore a more respectful or civil environment. I believe it starts with each of us deciding to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.”

In the political arena, for example, Dromgoole suggests a first step in restoring civility is to “respect the dignity of those whose politics, theology, or world view you disagree with. Try to find some common ground. We’re Americans, we’re not enemies, and we need to quit treating each other that way.”

He also encourages people to be more understanding of elected leaders all levels, even those with whom we might vigorously disagree.

“Accord them the courtesy you would want if you were in their shoes,” he says.

Promoting civility, however, extends beyond politics to everyday behavior.

“Each of us could benefit from a little more kindness, decency, reason, and respect in our lives, and we are each capable of extending more of it to others,” he said.

“I hope my website will help us think about how we can do that.”

For more information, contact Glenn Dromgoole at (325) 829-0461 or morecivilityplease@gmail.com. His website is MoreCivilityPlease.com.