Political discourse has never been known for its intellectual component, if there ever was any, but the last eight years have seen a bi-partisan push to the highest level of asininity. Please look up the definition of that word so you can appreciate its fulsomeness. Look up that word, too.

I was old enough to know about John Kennedy and the 1960 election but not mature enough to understand what happened. It looked like a good-looking, well-spoken, war hero was elected, narrowly defeating a sweating, ill-mannered Nixon. It wasn’t apparent how mad Kennedy’s win made some people until that anger revealed itself on November 22, 1963. When another Kennedy was assassinated, as well as certain Civil Rights leaders, it was clear politics in the 1960’s was more than voting.

We’ve seen much of the same dangerous political anger in the last 10 years. Why?

There are many cultural and societal reasons, but one aspect in particular is adding gas to the fire: Political Rhetoric. There have been many fiery political figures through the years, but in general, politicians talked and acted civil, even courteous at times, even when they were insulting their opponent. “My esteemed and dear friend from the other side of the aisle is talking out his ass”, is kind of the way debate went. William F. Buckly, for example, made castigating Liberals a sport, not a brawl and he was answered, bon mot for bon mot, by Liberal Gore Vidal.

And, in watching political discourse for over 60 years, there did appear to be a reluctance on the part of all speakers to look like an idiot. That reluctance appears to have been replaced by an eagerness to proudly wear the label.

Anyone who knows politics knows governing America is a compromise negotiated by two, distinctly different ideologies: Liberals and Conservatives. Running the country takes Compromise. Dealing. Horse trading. Bickering. Debating,

When did we start electing politicians who will “FIGHT!”? I haven’t researched its past, but don’t we often teach our children fighting doesn’t solve anything? Supporters of both parties will hem and haw the “fighting” they are talking about is not…fighting, fighting, but, well, what, then? And why even say it?

“I will fight for you if elected!” Ugh. Idiots.

I don’t want a fighter in congress, or the presidency. Do you?

A sad side effect is the lone wolf gunman, stewing in his basement with his 15 guns, finally reaching a point where the only option left is to fight. Wonder where he/she/them got the idea?