It has been about three full decades since courtesy and politeness have been the rule and not the exception in the halls of Congress. Partly this is due to the technological advances in social media that permit anonymous slanders, misrepresentations, and false information to flourish in our national discourse. Partly it is due to the political and cultural radicalization of the general populace. Partly it is due to the overwhelming influence of money and greed as a corrupting factor in our politics, our media, and in our economics. And partly it is due to the abolition of Civics classes in our school system curriculums. In Civility Lost: The Media, Politics, and Education, these factors and more are identified, along with the principles that are fundamentally necessary for the health and continuance of a democracy . . . unreservedly recommended."

Midwest Book Review

A thought-provoking read, ‘Civility Lost’ tracks the growing changes in the political, education and media landscapes that are underway in our country. George Goens is spot on when he writes, ‘The United States has become the most prominent country in the world, due in part, to the ability, creativity and endurance of citizens, the vast majority of whom have been educated in public schools.’ Each chapter explores key trends in our society that would gauge high interest from college-aged students to seasoned corporate professionals. I recommend this book.

Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, AASA, The School Superintendents Association; former school superintendent

“Dr. George Goens has long been known in Connecticut and across the country as a deep, reflective thinker on many of the educational and societal issues we face. His new book continues his wrestling with big ideas, this time on civility, education and the future of our nation. There are few issues more pertinent than those as our nation appears to have entered a time of boorish, hostile partisanship which permeates all of our institutions and infects us at all levels of government. In my role, I know how important respect, empathy and ‘disagreeing without being disagreeable’ is.”

Robert Rader, executive director, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education

“George Goens resets the debate from chaos, calamity, and conflict to calm, measured discourse - sound bites back to substance. This is a clear call for the return to educated, civic responsibility.”

Peter Litwin, Attorney

“Today’s society is like opening up a junk drawer causing one to jump back in utter dismay at the jumbled mess of anger, blaming, fear, cynicism, apathy, and self-righteousness spilling forth. We the people have an obligation to clean up our mess, restore orderliness, throw out bad habits, and take an active role in respecting ourselves and our neighbors. Civility Lost helps one to understand how and why we got to where we are and guides us to understand that we have the power to turn our junk drawer into a nurturing society for all citizens.”

Gretchen Usawicz, Retired Executive Assistant

Goens, a prolific author of books and articles on education and leadership, here addresses the role of education in building and maintaining a civil society. Civility Lost outlines the historical importance of America's founding principles and how the media, political parties and individuals' self-centered focus have eroded commitment to the Common Good.

Mary Pat Pfeil, communication consultant and retired senior director of university communication at Marquette University