Rhetoric Kills

Saturday's shooting in Arizona is a prime example of the enormous decline in civility. Regardless of political affiliation, the message of hate must stop. Sadly the inability of politicians to campaign without negativity seems to have accelerated the last few years.

My earliest recollection of politics is the Goldwater vs. Kennedy race. I was in high school and emotions were high over the race. I have no recollection of even the most rabid supporters suggesting we wipe the opponents off the face of the earth. The despicable and vitriolic verbiage that surrounds today’s political races easily impacts those of fragile psychic.

Honest politicians (if that isn’t an oxymoron) must curb their campaign managers and supporters and insist on a return to civility. The democratic process can work without resorting to character assassination that often results in the inciting of actual assassination.