Public Square: Civility Rules

There's been much ado about the death of civility. The impassioned debate about health care reform has added a few highlight films to the archive of bad manners displayed in public places. So it might come as a surprise to some that yesterday morning's Public Square about health care at The Times-Dispatch was intelligent, informative -- and almost unfailingly polite. Given the right forum, Americans can disagree agreeably. That's especially true in Richmond, as we've learned at previous Public Squares.

There were plenty of strong opinions expressed, but the tone was respectful and mature. Scores of people waited in line before the event, many carrying signs communicating sharply different points of view. The mood was cheerful -- remarkably so, given that many had been standing for an hour or more.

We attribute the good behavior to the natural tendency of Richmonders to treat one another with respect. This is a local custom -- though hardly universal -- that we too often forget. We also give considerable credit to the two congressmen who participated. Eric Cantor is, for the most part, a conservative Republican. Bobby Scott is, for the most part, a liberal Democrat. Both men can be fierce partisans -- in the best sense of the word -- when necessary. But both also are gentlemen, statesmen, adults. Those qualities were in abundant display yesterday as the congressmen explained their very different views on health care reform. Congress would be held in much higher regard if it were filled with more representatives like Scott and Cantor.

The SRO crowd was attentive. It's doubtful that anyone there liked everything mentioned. But it was impossible not to learn something useful. We're more comfortable with Cantor's approach to health care, which relies on strengthening free markets and limiting government's reach. But Scott was a forceful and informed advocate for the position of House Democrats. We enjoyed the clash of ideas, the back-and-forth between two professionals who clearly respect each other.

Our only regret is that we ran out of time before quite a few audience members were able to speak -- and that we didn't have enough seats for everyone who showed up. If you didn't get an opportunity to express your point of view, please send us a letter. We'll try to publish as many as we can. Look for stories and video at TimesDispatch.com -- and for an extensive, edited transcript of the Public Square in this Sunday's Commentary section.

The health care debate is far from over. But Richmonders have demonstrated that it can be conducted gracefully, with attention to facts and ideas.

Thank you.