Debate: Conversations end in vitriol in this new world

What happened to the days when civilized discussion accompanied disagreements between people?

When was the exact date that polarizing, vitriolic arguments took the place of rational exchanges of differing viewpoints?

No one knows when, but they are sure aware of the result of this new world of irrational discourse.

When people are afraid to express their views because they do not want to be slapped with the label of bigot, racist, radical, crazy or heartless, they do not engage in the exchange of ideas that leads to better policy and to a better direction for this nation.

We should be able as a nation to talk about issues that matter -- gun rights, entitlements, immigration, health care, religion, gay marriage, education, families and anything else that divides us -- with an eye to taking the best out of both sides of the argument.

But what we see instead is commentary from real pundits -- and those who use their analysis as fodder for ratings -- that is scary in its vehemence and judgment when, in many cases, the issues really are not black and white.

And once again a nation that should be united in its hopes for the future -- even if its citizens do not always agree on how to get there -- is faced with an extremely polarized electorate.

And you really do not know whom to believe.

It is time for some real discussions -- not the manipulated kind -- where people can talk about the real causes, effects and possibilities for some of the issues this nation faces.

We cannot afford to avoid them any longer. And we will be a better country for it.

Published in Editorials on April 30, 2013 12:29 PM