MORE CIVILITY ON ITS WAY IN ARIZONA POLITICS?

posted by Michael Chihak

Arizona House Speaker Kirk Adams opened his chamber's legislative session with words of conciliation, condolence and healing.

He praised U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, honored those who died and condemned the heinous act as one that was meant to "incite terror in the hearts of Arizonans and all Americans."

He also called for a more civil tone among his colleagues.

"For me, it is a cold reminder that ... second chances to seek forgiveness and repair relationships sometimes never come," Adams said. "That the defining difference between civil society and anarchy is the ability to respect and value those with whom we disagree.

"It is my prayer that this lesson re-learned will be evident in the communications of this body and in our society."