Keller @ Large: How Do We Restore Civility?

BOSTON (CBS) - We did a segment on WBZ-TV Monday answering voter questions about the election, and I set one aside to share with you on this fateful day.

It came from Donna, who wondered: "After such an angry and contentious election, how do we restore civility?"

Donna, that's a very good question. How about if we start with a display of good manners?

If your side wins Tuesday night, you can choose to be a gracious winner, and not rub defeat in the faces of those you defeated.

The winners can set the tone on election night by finding something to praise about their adversaries, and offering at least the hope of compromise and cooperation moving forward.

If your side loses, you could decide not to be a sore loser and whine about how you were robbed.

Instead of nursing your wounds and grudges, you could accept the outreach from the winners – if there is any – and become part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

The news media could do its part by giving less attention to the loudest, most strident voices and more to the peacemakers.

And we should all understand that civility isn't something that can be legislated.

It has to come from us, because that's the kind of people we want to be.

Or, do we?

Listen to Jon's commentary: