The End Of Civility?

When did politics become a "we" vs "them" battle to the death? Seriously. When did it decline to these depths?

Please don't say George Bush brought us to this because much of the inability to communicate that I encounter comes from hard line left wingers who see the political arena as some sort of glorious battle that only one gladiator can emerge from with victory.

Did it begin during the turmoil of the Vietnam War and then continue through Nixon's demise? Or has the use of the media, and their need for constant ratings, simply lead to a sensationalizing of every action of our political leaders? Have they encouraged a political divisiness in order to further their own goals?

Whatever brought us to this point, if rational and caring Americans don't pull back on the rhetoric and learn to disagree with policy without condemning the person supporting it, we are a nation doomed. We will become as broken as Iraq, filled with factions that refuse to communicate, refuse to dialogue, refuse to cooperate.

Anyone who believes politics doesn't involve compromise isn't dealing with reality. If your goal is to win at all costs, you become, imo, a terrorist. You certainly aren't a patriot whose concern is for our nation. You become someone who would prefer to "win" than progress.

If the two main political factions can't dialogue with each other, we condemn our future generations to a broken America, much like we are seeing in the middle east. Believe I'm wrong? Tell me why because I don't see a lot of concern for America in the political debates of today. I see more concern about "winning" at all costs - whether right or wrong. It's become a game.

We need our statesmen back. We need the political powers who knew it was okay to disagree with the position or the policy and still respect the man. We need those who understand that the BEST comes from opposing opinions that dialogue and compromise.

What we don't need is conquering zealots looking to further their own agendas. And by that I don't mean our politicans. I mean the political wannabes that spew their venom over the net and over public discussions.

He's sometimes called the everyday man.