Wow! What a range of behaviors we're witnessing in the public arena. We can't help but watch and there's no place to hide.

Too much vulgar and loud. International saber rattling. Posturing politicos. Hyper-attentive journalists feeding the voracious media beast. Glad I have the calming balm of Dave Grusin's "Milagro Beanfield War" soundtrack. But, I digress. Here are some Mosey observations on Civility, Class, Character and that constantly recurring star of most of our scenarios...our friend in the mirror.

The Awakened Sleeping Giant Wants Better

Thrilled and surprised that Anthony Scaramucci got the boot. The last thing we needed was a slicker Bannon, and I'm betting General Kelly felt the same. I'm encouraged that an increasing number of journalists, politicos and pundits are realizing that we let the demeaning, divisive rhetoric go too far. We can't have a civilized, self-governing society until we get a grip, dial back the small-minded nastiness, mobilize our better selves and accept that we're better TOGETHER. And that's a Mosey fact, not a partisan slogan.

Lewis Timberlake Was Right

My now departed friend, mentor and motivational speaker, Lewis Timberlake, had many favorite sayings. One memorable one was,"Nobody has to lose for you to win." Too many in Bannon/Scaramucci/Trump world equate victory with crushing their opponents. I frustrated some fellow Texas Governor staffers when I wouldn't play that game. After discussing the positive impact of proposed programs for the State, a few partisan loyalists wanted to include discussion of how our implementation roll-out could be designed to hurt the loyal opposition. I called them out more than once for that nonsense.

The "Repeal/Replace" charade was a painful and wasteful lesson in non-collaborative democratic process. Sadly farcical to hear Republicans on the losing end say that they "might have to work with the Democrats" to get a better outcome. No one wins in these blindly partisan stalemates. We can't enable/tolerate these partisan ideologues who continue to place Party over Country and public interest. At any level of government.

Civility, Class, Character & Our Friend In The Mirror

It starts with you and me. And takes surprisingly little time and effort once we get in practice. It starts at home. Thinking how we come off to others, how we're modeling for our children and grandchildren. How we react and respond to controversial subjects such as discriminatory language, bigotry, racism, homophobia and other charged opportunities to calm, enlighten or constructively criticize.

I refuse to accept that civility, courtesy and kindness are out of fashion. We know how we'd like to be treated and we owe others no less. Even when it's a struggle. Taking the high road is usually the best policy and practice. Though I admit there are some horrible and nasty people who are occasionally beyond our patience and skillset. Those whom we should just leave to God to sort out. I can count those on only about two hands in my personal experience, but they still loom large in my memory of interpersonal learning moments.

From The Checkout Line To The Public Arena

My father taught me to treat all people with respect, reminding me of the worth of each person and their right to be treated with dignity and kindness. Those little human acts make a world of difference...to all of us. We have daily opportunities to model our better selves in all public settings. That practice prepares us for bigger stages. My experience with folks from all walks of life brings constant reminders that we're all scared little children in a big scary world. We build our protective shells over time, as we do our abilities to project poise and self-confidence.

Under our protective defenses are vulnerable human beings. We laugh, cry, hurt and have the capacity to hurt or help or love or hate as our experience prompts. Acts of compassion, generosity and kindness are powerful influences to disarm the negative. I'm grateful for those many who've been patient and kind with me. I'm trying to make a positive difference with my own behaviors.

A MOSEY CLOSE

I'm an experienced believer in "un-coincidental coincidences." I find that as I wind up this commentary, I'm listening to Dave Grusin's "Thanksong." Do yourself a musical favor and find it on your favorite music source. It may come in handy.

Let's promise our friend in the mirror that we're not going to give up on believing that most folks are good and have the ability to respond to acts of compassion and kindness. Let's beseech our Better Angels to lift us in service to ourselves and our communities. Can't hurt, will probably help. Someone. LET'S MOSEY!