After this weekend’s assassination attempt on Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, which resulted in six other being shot to death and about a dozen more injured, some voices in the political wilderness appealed for a moderation in the political debate.
The suggestion was met with something less than moderation by a few commentators, who suggested that the Tucson tragedy was being manipulated to silence free speech and political opposition.
I humbly posit it’s possible to have a full and open political debate without a free-for-all.
Calling people names, making fun of their cultural or political heritage or making veiled threats are absolutely unnecessary.
However, I would also suggest it is someone’s right to be a jackass if they so choose.
The words extremist and compromise and rarely uttered in the same breath.
It would be a good bet to expect the extreme elements in all parts of the political spectrum will continue to spew their vitriol, regardless of whatever appeal to calm is extended to them.
It might be better to call on to the ordinary person’s good sense to ignore those errant voices.