Take a look at recent piece by Slate's Dahlia Lithwick, which should be required reading for the Canadian political classes, especially those in the blogosphere.
I have to admit that I've occasionally been guilty of snarky ad hominem comments against political opponents. As Lithwick points out, "taking aim and firing" sure is easy.
One thing that makes me uncomfortable actively identifying myself with a political party is that "taking aim and firing" is all the rage from politicians these days.
For instance: when pundits of all stripes debate whether or not Stephane Dion is a "good leader," they're really asking whether Dion can lead publicity "assaults" effectively in a particularly brutal news cycle, against opponents who are particularly vicious. The answer may well be no, especially against an adversary as formidable as our Prime Minister. I don't believe this makes Dion a poor leader - I think it says something much more fundamental about systemic problems in the way we as Canadians are taught about public life. And of course the trend of persuasion by abuse crosses party lines - Dion's apparent embrace of it has been one of the things that, I think, has hampered his performance, and his image with the public.
To say "that's the way things are" as justificiation just doesn't cut it. I encourage all of my arch-conservative readers (there are surely hordes of you) to suggest topics for collaborative discussion, a la Lithwick's article. I'm more than happy to talk policy seriously and intelligently with any takers! Better yet, can anyone out there think of constructive, practical ways to reorient political debate in Canada back towards civility?
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