The Sunshine Report A Foundation of Mutual Respect Karen and Jay share thoughts on the importance and value in treating others with civility and respect. I think we can all agree that civility is a virtue. I suspect we can all also agree that civility is a value we would love to see more broadly and consistently embraced in our society today as well as in our day-to-day interactions with others. America is based on the belief that we hold dear and value the rights and contributions – as well as the dreams and aspirations -- of every individual. As such, there is a basic requirement that we treat each other with the highest degree of respect. We may disagree on many things, but we need to do so in a way that is civil, polite and demonstrates our fundamental respect for one another. Interestingly, we often find some of life’s great examples and lessons demonstrated in the world of sports. Here’s a great one – right from our own backyard. It’s one of the most notorious rivalries in all of sports: Yankees vs. Red Sox. If you’re from New England or New York, there’s nothing more heated or passionate in sports. Even if you don’t support either team, if you’re simply a sports fan, you know just how intense the rivalry is. The curse of the Babe, the 2004 ALCS, Pedro vs. A-Rod. It is the definition of storied. Yet back in 2014, in what was the final season of Hall of Famer Derek Jeter’s career, there was a remarkable moment where the bitterness of this rivalry was replaced with pure class and genuine sportsmanship from both organizations. Perhaps you’re familiar with it. In the last week of the season, Derek Jeter was playing in his final game at Yankee Stadium when he hit a walk off single to win the game in his final at bat in the Bronx. It would’ve been the perfect ending to an illustrious career. Red Sox legend David Ortiz summed it up in one word, “Perfection”. Few people wouldn’t have blamed him if he decided to sit out the final series of the season later that week in Boston, especially considering that the Yankees were not in contention for the playoffs any longer at that point. However, when asked if that’s what he planned to do, he told reporters, “Out of respect to the Boston fans and the rivalry, I will play in some capacity.” And so, the Yankees made their way to Boston, where he was to be the designated hitter. During a pre-game ceremony in his final MLB game, the Red Sox honored Jeter’s career, bringing out a who’s who of Boston sports legends and former Red Sox to congratulate him. When the game finally got underway, Jeter came up to bat in the 3rd inning. He hit an RBI single and then waved to manager Joe Girardi to bring on a pinch runner in what would be his final MLB at bat. Slowly, Fenway began loudly cheering his name, pausing the game for nearly three minutes. If you were fortunate enough to watch the game live, witnessing two storied organizations whose players and fan bases have at times come to blows, honor not only a player but the rivalry that he was part of was truly chill inducing. What was on view may have taken place at a baseball stadium, it was in the end a moment that transcended baseball. It demonstrated the value of sportsmanship and operating on a basis of mutual respect even with your opposition, no matter how much frenzied history you may share. As NESN rightly put it in an article following the game, both organizations approached the moment with the ultimate selflessness and respect, both for each other and for the game they both play. The moment of sportsmanship shared between the Yankees and Red Sox back in 2014 is demonstrative of what is possible when respect is the standard between opposing sides, not the exception. While competition is still valued, playing or operating with esteem for those we compete or are at odds with allows us to continue to do so, and with civility. Our current political climate being a real- life example, where the lack of respect between right and left continues to be the source of inaction and heightened contempt. While some might make the argument that sports and ‘life’ shouldn’t be compared to one another, sport, and the teams or athletes we support, tend to represent our values, our history, and our communities, the very things that make us who we are and how we live our lives. And through them, they provide us with lessons that can be applied off the field, as we saw during that special moment at Fenway Park. Read The Report ‘Play to the Whistle’ …then Unite and Show Civility and Respect! Read More Civility in Media – the Eagle Times Leading by Example Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Paul Smith - A Profile in Civility This week we are delighted to highlight an extremely hard work and esteemed public servant, Paul Smith. Paul truly represents what it is to be civil, what it is to show civility, and what it takes to ensure a process of governance mixed with civility. The Honorable Paul Smith of Hopkinton, is the current Clerk of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. The 400 person body is comprised of Granite Staters with a wide variety of backgrounds and passions - all working to make New Hampshire the best place to live, work, and raise a family. To ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible, it requires someone like Paul. As a former State Representative myself, I know passions can run high during session days. Emotions can run wild, the determination to win at all costs can set in, but it’s Paul who serves as wingman to the Speaker of the House (regardless of the party) and who helps bring calm to the body via process, decorum, and humility. But how does one get to such a place of importance and with such a unique background to handle 400 dedicated and passionate people? Paul is no stranger to creeds or upholding the rules. Paul is an Eagle Scout and as scouts know - a scout is trustworthy, a scout is loyal, and a scout is friend to all and a brother to every other scout. That truly is Paul. You know you can trust him, and you know he is loyal to upholding the rules, honoring the history, and maintaining the decorum of the 3rd largest English-speaking legislative body in the world. Paul himself served in the House as Auburn’s representative, a small town just east of Manchester. In fact, as a freshman legislator he served and worked alongside the now Speaker of the House, his friend Sherm Packard. Paul's knowledge of the process and commitment to upholding rules is why he was tapped to serve as Deputy Clerk of the House. He was first elected to his current position as Clerk in 2014 and today is in his 5th term. Clerk Paul ensures the House is graced with tradition and prepared for what is in front of them. During the pandemic Paul and his team worked hard to organize and coordinate session days in parking lots, ball fields, and even expo centers. How else could you social-distance 400 members? He worked with leadership in executing remote committee hearings while ensuring decorum, civility, and honor all took a front seat. No easy task, but those who know Paul had trust and faith in him. In addition, outside of the State House Paul continues to bring civility, honor, and commitment to the greater community. Paul is an experienced high school football referee. Week after week during the season you can see Paul making the calls and making sure teams show good sportsmanship on the field ensuring these players are setting an example to be followed for the next generation. Paul is a proud father and husband. He is a Granite Stater with endless commitment to civility. And I know that anyone who has seen Paul in action in Concord or in the community will know precisely why we all hold Paul and his commitment to civility in the highest possible regard! Thank you, Paul Smith! Quote of the Week "Civility is not a tactic or a sentiment. It is the determined choice of trust over cynicism, of community over chaos." - George W. Bush     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]