Over the past several years, I have written a lot about the lack of civility in the world today.

More specifically, my opinions have focused on the lack of civility in politics, and how the erosion of common decency in that environment has been eroding the public’s trust in politicians and the political system.

Personally, I believe it’s the lack of filters many people bring to discussions that has me not wanting to even get engaged with folks over the simplest of political topics, anymore.

Just when the day seems darkest, though, along comes one of those stories that gives you cause to pause and think, “Thank goodness there still is some common sense that exists in the world today.”

Last Sunday comedienne Ellen DeGeneres found herself seated at an NFL football game next to former President George W. Bush in the private suite of Dallas Cowboy owner Jerry Jones.

DeGeneres had been invited by Jones’ daughter, Charlotte Jones.

When photos started showing up on social media of the two sitting next to each other, all heck broke loose as to why a liberal lesbian was sharing space with a a conservative former president.

Simply put, DeGeneres was being hammered — “How dare she?” was the common thread that was trending.

I’ll be the first to say, here, that, until now, DeGeneres has not been one of my favorite comedians.

However, as far as I’m concerned, her stock rose substantially with me this week.

Looking to address all her social media “haters,” she on Monday shared on her talk show a message from the heart that I believe we all can learn from. And, since it is heartfelt, I don’t want to “water it down” by paraphrasing it.

DeGeneres began her words by pointing out that many people were upset with her pictured with Bush, who she called a friend of hers.

“They thought, why is a gay Hollywood liberal sitting next to a conservative Republican president? … A lot of people were mad. And they did what people do when they’re mad … they tweet.

“Here’s the thing: I’m friends with George Bush. In fact, I’m friends with a lot of people who don’t share the same beliefs that I have,” DeGeneres said. “We’re all different, and I think that we’ve forgotten that that’s OK that we’re all different … but, just because I don’t agree with someone on everything doesn’t mean that I’m not going to be friends with them.”

She concluded by saying, “When I say, ‘Be kind to one another,’ I don’t mean only the people that think the same way that you do. I mean be kind to everyone. Doesn’t matter.”

I couldn’t agree more.

I have many friends who I understand scratch their head at some of my political positions, but the point is, they still are my friends. I respect them for their position and I know they respect me for my mine.

There is no shame in agreeing to disagree sometimes.

As the week has gone on, there still is much debate over DeGeneres’ position, both pro and con.

That is a shame, for DeGeneres took a stand all of us should be taking. And she stood up to the social media mudslinging that has given people a bully pulpit from which to rant.

I so dislike this culture of intolerance toward others. When did we stop treating people with respect? When did it become okay to strip a person of their dignity?

Ellen drew her line in the sand this week by saying no, you have no business being critical of a friend of mine, regardless of their political persuasion.

I only wish more people would stand up and do the same.

Bill Speer can be reached at 989-354-3111, ext. 311, or bspeer@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @billspeer13.