Last week, U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., continued his push for a “National Day of Civility.”
In his first term in Congress, Crist supported efforts to make July 12th as the National Day of Civility. While that push did not get over the finish line, Crist is now supporting U.S. Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver’s, D-Mo., and Mike Johnson’s, R-La., effort. Cleaver and Johnson lead the Honor and Civility Caucus.
Crist weighed in on the latest effort on Thursday.
“Upon arriving in Washington three years ago, I took a pledge to the people I serve that I would continue to rise above partisan politics and treat my colleagues with respect and dignity. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we as a nation put politics aside to pull through this moment of unprecedented crisis,” said Crist. “I am again calling for a National Day of Civility to spotlight the importance of unity both through this crisis and beyond, and I am proud to join my colleagues across the aisle as we put people above politics to protect our fellow Americans and move our country forward.”
“In challenging times, Americans have always found a way to rise of above our disagreements and unite for the greater good of our nation. The coronavirus pandemic is no exception. So many Americans–from our health care providers to essential workers to the everyday heroes making a positive impact in our communities–have shown what it means to treat their fellow citizens with dignity and respect. I can think of no better way to honor and elevate the example they have set than to join with Congressman Crist once again to recognize a National Day of Civility. I am proud to be a part of this ongoing effort to promote civil dialogue and bring Americans of all viewpoints together as we strive to make a more perfect union,” said Johnson.
“One of the key lessons I learned early in life is that niceness is priceless” said Cleaver. “It costs us nothing to treat each other with the respect and dignity that every human being deserves, and it leads us to common ground that we may have never known existed. I want to thank Rep. Crist for introducing this resolution to create a National Day of Civility and for his efforts to restore civility in the halls of Congress.”
Other backers from the Sunshine State include Democrats U.S. Reps. Alcee Hastings, Stephanie Murphy and Darren Soto. Other backers include U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pen.., and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
