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Bill > SR108


NJ SR108

NJ SR108
Encourages residents of NJ to treat one another civilly amid period of increased political violence.


summary

Introduced
09/19/2024
In Committee
09/19/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This Senate resolution encourages residents of New Jersey to treat one another civilly amid a period of increased political violence in this country. There are rules of civility that allow us to live peacefully within society. The Greek Philosopher Aristotle saw civility as a form of friendship and believed that humans are capable of promoting another person's interest without regard for their own. The belief in the civility of society has been challenged over recent years as political violence has increased significantly in the United States. Throughout the last two decades, multiple political figures have been attacked, with some attacks causing the injuries and deaths of other people. Data provided by the United States Capitol Police, a law enforcement agency charged with protecting members of Congress, indicates that cases related to "concerning statements and threats" have jumped from 3,939 in 2017 to 9,625 in 2021. New Jersey is not immune from the effects of national political violence. New Jersey is the only State in which all counties are classified as metropolitan areas, creating an abnormally dense population and making it easy to get frustrated, especially while waiting in line or sitting in traffic. In an effort to enrich the lives of residents in this State, impolite and antagonistic behavior should be curtailed without the implementation of new laws. Increased courtesy and respect amongst residents would reduce stress and result in a chain of goodwill that would ripple throughout the stores, streets, and neighborhoods of New Jersey. One of the strengths of our system of government is the ability to debate and disagree while allowing peace to prevail. This must be remembered, along with a charge of civility towards one another. The resolution condemns the attempted assassination of former President Trump and any other political violence, and urges elected leaders in New Jersey and around the country to set examples by treating political opponents with civility and respect.

AI Summary

This resolution encourages New Jersey residents to treat one another with civility during a period of increased political violence in the United States. Drawing on philosophical concepts from Aristotle, the resolution highlights the importance of mutual goodwill and respectful interaction, noting the rising trend of political threats and violence as documented by the United States Capitol Police. The resolution specifically references several high-profile incidents of political violence, including attacks on political figures like Gabby Giffords, Steve Scalise, Paul Pelosi, and the attempted assassination of former President Trump. Recognizing New Jersey's unique status as a state with entirely metropolitan counties, which can lead to increased frustration, the resolution calls for residents to reduce antagonistic behavior and promote courtesy without creating new laws. The primary goal is to encourage a culture of respect, particularly in political discourse, by urging elected leaders to model civil behavior and treat political opponents with dignity. The resolution condemns political violence and seeks to foster a more peaceful, understanding social environment through individual acts of kindness and mutual respect.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee (on 09/19/2024)

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