Author Kurt Vonnegut was once asked if felt the world could use more love. He pondered a moment, then replied that he didn't know if it needed more love, but it sure could use a little more common decency.

As General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints approaches this weekend, and believers, belittlers and reporters head for the Main Street Plaza, we echo Vonnegut's sentiments. A touch of civility would go a long way.

Common decency, of course, is no longer as common as it once was. In fact, public discourse and private behavior today often revel in a "common coarseness." And, indeed, the right to behave like a boor can be read between the lines of the United States Constitution. In America, one is guaranteed the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of loutishness.

What's more, experience teaches that expecting others to show common decency is akin to expecting them to show common sense. It is a surefire cure for one's idealism.

One must be realistic and adjust accordingly.

This weekend, chances are many blowhards with bullhorns will again be using the plaza, and other areas around Temple Square, as a sound stage. And for many, the trek to conference will be a loud one. For as Alexander Pope once pointed out, "It is with narrow-souled people as with narrow-necked bottles. The less they have in them, the more noise they make pouring it out."

Naturally, we urge protesters to show restraint, to turn down the decibels and opt for civil discourse. But since that is expecting more common sense than seems sensible, we urge those en route to the Conference Center to hold their tongues and hold their peace. Outbursts are uncalled for. And one impulsive response may be enough to ruin an otherwise delightful day.

In time, the plaza issue will be resolved. Like the sound of a jackhammer, the current disruption is a temporary inconvenience. Better days await. If lambasted by spiteful comments, we suggest conference-goers take the long view.

Meanwhile, those who feel under attack may wish to apply another snippet of wisdom from Pope:

For modes of faith let graceless zealots fight

He can't be wrong whose life is in the right.

In faith and hope the world will disagree,

But all mankind's concern is charity.