Kristof on the growth of broad-spectrum political incivility, and how it's making us more like Old Europe:
"Considering the savagery with which the Snarling Right excoriated President Clinton as a 'sociopath,' blocked judicial appointments, undermined U.S. military operations from Kosovo to Iraq, hounded Vincent Foster and then accused the Clintons of murdering him, it is utterly hypocritical for conservatives to complain about liberal incivility.But they're right.
[...]
Anyone who isn't concerned by the growing political incivility in this country doesn't remember how the antagonisms in Europe became so caustic that they often blocked governance (not to mention triggered civil wars in Spain and Greece). Already, in this country the public vitriol discourages public service."
That last bit is an important observation and a warning, particularly for the upcoming generation. After observing the political theatrics of their parents' generation, many of the younger set are trying their best to surpass them in rude inanity.
Kristof also makes an excellent point about the reflexive derision for religion and religious belief found so often on the far left, and how that is contributing to the marginalization of the Democratic Party. But there's a nuance there that he has missed, I think: the left's derision is for "establishment" religion and belief. I, myself, have found a great deal of tolerance for religious observance in my travels through the leftward side of things...as long as it involved drums, white light, good energy, or other non-Western "spiritual" elements.
