Harsh political tone won't end

The political discourse - or lack thereof - has taken an interesting turn. The buzz of the week, and probably of the weeks ahead, concerns the shrill political discourse and the appalling lack of civility in the political arena.

But to focus on tone is little more than a smokescreen to avoid focusing on issues. When you falter on issues just shift the focus and put the other side on the defensive.

In a feeble attempt to be nonpartisan, let's all agree that the rhetoric is equally inflammatory from both sides of the political spectrum. Tune into Fox and then switch to MSNBC. You can do the same on the radio dial.

What you hear is a sharp divide - probably the sharpest divide in modern politics - that plays squarely to their selective audiences. For every over-reaching right winger is an equally over-reaching lug nut from the left.

I suspect the real issue here is that the left has far fewer viewers and listeners than the right. Does anyone remember Air Amerika, the feeble attempt to counter the voices from the right?

I absolutely abhor the venom spewing from the MSNBC talking heads just as much as the left abhors the clearly slanted opinions uttered by Limbaugh, et. al.

So if I understand this correctly, it's not the differences of political opinions that mark this era but rather the "tone." It's the choice of words. It's the emotions behind those words. It's the inflammatory nature of those words and emotions all bundled into the push for civility.

Do I have that correct?

I believe it is often not just the rhetoric in today's political debate but rather the reaction to that rhetoric. If you really think about it, the lack of civility more often than not stems from the reaction to words spoken by those in the political arena.

It's not so much that Rush - by way of example - says outrageous opinions but rather his harsh reaction to words spoken by those with whom he disagrees. The talking heads of MSNBC are equally as guilty of outlandish hyperbole while defending their liberal agenda.

Both are examples of overreaction and I suspect that is at the heart of this debate.

One man's lack of civility is another's battle to defend his position on the topics of the day. And civility is in the eyes of the beholder.

Partisan politics is a harsh game. And thus, words spoken in political discourse are equally as harsh.

Telling a politician to "play nice" is a quaint notion. And politicians will "play nice" when all sides agree on all issues.

Don't hold your breath!