by Steve James on Tue Jul 11, 2017 8:05 am
Civility starts at home. The pro v anti argument applies just as much to Obama, and to some extent Bush. Lambasting politicians rudely and cruelly with a viciousness that borders on hate started way back when Hillary was running against Obama. The later burning in effigy, assertions of un-American identity, loyalty to foreign interests, incompetence, shadiness, lack of common sense (and I'm talking of what people were saying about Obama) were almost expected.
But, you and I are old enough to know that it wasn't always that way. Blaming one side or the other is fruitless at this point. I agree that focusing on the issues rather than the individuals will be more productive. That is really simple. However, one problem is that the debates are not about issues. For example, forget Dem v Rep or right v left, why is the assertion made that what some want is to "replace and repeal Obamacare"? Wtf difference does the name make? All that's needed to get almost universal support is to explain how any new bill improves "Health Care." If you're someone with a pre-existing condition, do you care what the law is called, or are you more interested in whether it will continue to be covered?
When --and probably only if-- those grass roots people everyone talks about decide that they need to help each other as Americans first, but ideally as human beings, then they'll start working together. In this country, there are many who believe that it's impossible. They call each other names, and blame them for all their problems.
And, then there are value contradiction like this. Someone posted a picture of Obama on vacation with the caption "worst president in American history." The next comment was "He should be hanged." Then, "shoot him." So, me, I just ignored it. But, what do you know. The same person who posted the hang him comment posted asking if you believe in Jesus, type amen. How should one respond? (Actually, I'd say "like a Christian," but that's the contradiction. Who's forgiving enemies in these parts?).
That gets back to your first point. Don't expect people to rise above. Character is demonstrated, not requested. People who have no class, have no class. Yes, it would be much better for people to be honest, ethical, moral, and sometimes even rational. But that can be determined or observed person by person by what she does or doesn't do, what he says or doesn't say.
There's a lot of talk nowadays about "free speech." And, often it's brought up by people who feel restrained from saying negative things (especially about other people). Say something negative about them, and they invariably get upset. It doesn't matter, as long as we agree that everyone has the same rights. That gets into a discussion of American expectations and principles versus realities and practices. Add the internet and the ability for anyone to say anything, and the stage is set for the lowest common denominator of conversation.
"A man is rich when he has time and freewill. How he chooses to invest both will determine the return on his investment."