Don Petrille Government, Politics and Business Insights

Can we do this? "With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan -- to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."

Meaningful civil discourse is on life support in America. We are debating policies that strike to the core of whether we are going to continue to follow our Founders’ vision for America or are going to evolve (or descend?) into a different nation. If we are going to make government work again, if we are going to make our neighborhoods work again, we need to re-establish respect and elevated discourse. Can we each adhere to the following principles in our conversations?... 1. I recognize all Americans have a fundamental right to civil discourse, even if the ideas may make others uncomfortable. 2. I recognize those who disagree with me also want what they believe to be a better country for their children and grandchildren. 3. I will never condone violence or destruction of property by private citizens or government agents to curb or intimidate speech regarding public policy. 4. I will not call for, nor will I encourage others to call for, violence or property destruction to advance a political argument or suppress speech. 5. In discussing matters of public interest, I will refrain from using hyperbole merely to incite a visceral reaction. 6. I recognize that many phrases and colloquialisms commonly used in civil public discourse are not, in reality, calls for violence or destruction of public property. I discourage the media, activists, and other public figures from mischaracterizing such phrases when they are clearly benign literary devices. 7. I will not accuse people who disagree with me of hating or wishing harm to people because of policies they advocate. I may still discuss the failings of policies and laws in a direct and substantive manner. 8. I do not have to accept the fundamental assumptions underlying opposing ideas. 9. I may use the time-honored and effective communication tools of satire and humor with evidence, logic, and argument to advance or oppose a policy position. Subjects of my arguments, satire, and humor uncomfortable, but I will not denigrate their inherent humanity. 10. I pledge to be gracious when I am on the receiving end of argument, satire, and humor. The concepts of liberty, equality, self-reliance, charity, justice, and mercy often compete with each other. Each may demand competing policies. The best way to come to a reasonable consensus on important policies is through reasoned, civil, and collegial debate. Such debate must be supported by facts and evidence, and conducted with candor and goodwill. If we discipline our speech, learn to accept our own foibles and not impugn others’ motive, we can return to vigorous, honest, and thoughtful debate over issues of importance. We may even save a few friendships with our neighbors.

Auditor General-elect Tim DeFoor selected Don to join his transition team. It's going to be interesting work and leverages Don's legal, governmental and business experience. Don will help make the Commonwealth of PA a better place to live and ensure trust in state government! https://highswartz.com/high-swart/petrille-transition-team/

My friend, Timothy DeFoor, is running for PA Auditor General. I worked with him during my time in office, and he is exactly what we need as a watchdog to make sure Pennsylvania government performs. He is: Dauphin County Controller Special investigator - Office of Inspector General Special Agent - Office of Attorney General... Please support Tim!