U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Tom Donohue has penned an open letter urging lawmakers, political candidates and news pundits to "think before you speak" and treat their opponents in a civil manner.

Donohue's letter was published on the Chamber's website Monday. His plea came two days after a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that killed 11 people. It also came after the arrest of a man who allegedly mailed bombs to prominent Democrats and critics of President Donald Trump.

Trump critics have blamed the president's rhetoric for inflaming racial and political tensions in the U.S., something both he and his defenders deny. Donohue instead pointed a finger at people in both parties.

"STOP," Donohue said. "Remember what our mothers taught us: Think before you speak. There is no place in our civil discourse for encouraging people to harass political opponents."

The CEO said political opponents can "disagree without calling each other names or questioning each other's motives." But he also said people have the responsibility to refute falsehoods and reject threats of violence.

"We have an election in less than two weeks. Let's express our differences the way our founders envisioned: at the ballot box," Donohue said. "Above all, let's remember we are all Americans and are blessed to live in the greatest country in the history of the world." https://uscham.com/2DdqutV

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