Opinion | Wisconsin can show what political civility looks like

July 18, 2024 | John Vaudreuil and Reid Ribble | Cap Times

The attempted assassination of a presidential nominee and the fatal shooting of a campaign rally attendee on Saturday reminded all of us of the stark choice we all face this year. We can, if we so choose, continue allowing an increase in violent rhetoric in our politics and risk actual bloodshed. Or we can take a step back from the cliff and refocus on what we share in common as Americans, preserving the democracy we cherish. Every citizen’s individual actions and words play a role in making that determination.

Here in Wisconsin, a “purple state,” we pride ourselves on civility and Midwestern pragmatism. Just as we have a tradition of passionate debate, we also celebrate a long history of reaching consensus through dialogue and mutual respect. …