What exactly will it take to shock the collective American conscience back into a sense of decency and civility?

Based on some social media comments still pushing polarizing contempt, an assassination attempt on a former president does not quite rise to the level of needing reform. Thankfully, most of us do not live our lives on social media, and thus we have the opportunity and responsibility to change course.

Last week Sutherland published a restatement of principles that feels even more salient now. This statement calls for a return to America’s long-standing values, coupled – importantly – with a recommitment to the type of principled debate and consensus-building that led to the world’s most enduring constitution. Why? Because for several years, we have been concerned about the escalating tone of anger and contempt, and the effect it is having on governance, sound public policy, and people.

It is essential to make clear – to partners seeking solutions and weary citizens alike – that the time-tested values and principles that created America can also rescue America. Implicit in this call (which at times such as this must be made explicit) is the unequivocal condemnation of political violence in favor of the principled system we have in this country, which provides ways to resolve disputes without bloodshed.

These stated guiding principles are not new. But they can be newly applied to the political moment we’re in now – if we choose to do so. Choosing to embrace these principles in a time of unrest and uncertainty transcends partisanship and politics and shows us the path forward for our great nation.

Each of us has a choice in this moment.

As I shared on a recent episode of Sutherland’s Defending Ideas show, the same platforms that allow media figures, elected officials, or other prominent voices to get people angry enough to take to the streets can also be used by people of principle who are committed to restoring respectful debate anchored to America’s ideals.

Sutherland encourages all people, regardless of party affiliation or political ideology, to respond to this acrimonious and now violent election season with an intentional choice to revisit and reclaim the wisdom, process and hope found in America’s founding principles.