The Providence Journal
Another way to encourage civility
With all due respect, I must disagree with Michael Morse ( Stepping up to restore civility, Commentary, Jan. 5) on the best way to react to the social infractions and rudeness he mentions.
The targets of his complaint are not likely to respond favorably to being criticized in public. Doing so, especially involving his veiled reference to physical intervention, would only serve to create or escalate a confrontation rather than, as the saying goes, change any hearts and minds. Perhaps his plan speaks to his feelings of moral superiority, but he will not reform anyone s behavior by calling it out.