On civility and being brave

We can be thankful for new school years and kids of every age who are beginning anew, whatever grade they are going into, and for the faculty and staff who welcome them with open arms.

In the La Conner Schools insert in last week’s Weekly News, Superintendent Whitney Meissner wrote “The start of a school year is a great time to bring curiosity, kindness, hope and optimism forward. ... It’s a time to believe in ourselves and others and imagine the endless possibilities of what can be, what might be.”

That is sentiment our leaders in every jurisdiction – local, state and federal – ca...