Is It Too Late For BiPartisan Debate?

As the 2006 elections near the rhetoric is already heating up. See, it's the proven tactic in American politics: demonize the other side, show that they don't really typlify American values and then hammer away at those points until the populace links your opponent with being UnAmerican and morally irresponsible.

It's become the expected approach. But is it productive? Do any of us want to live in a country that is always separated into we vs them? A country where yer either agin us or fer us? Is this what atmosphere we want to contribute to and live in?

Debate in politics used to be performed by statesmen. The caliber of politican who could disagree with his "opponent" but still respect the man and the viewpoint. Is that a thing of the past?

We can't seem to agree to disagree anymore. Our dialogue has to be replete with insults and barbs towards those who refuse to see the divine wisdom in our positions.

And note, people, I'm saying "our". I'll include myself in that category of non productive pundits.