"Already, we have but too much reason to deplore the violence and animosity of party spirit. It has gone far to destroy social intercourse, and all the endearing charities of life, between ancient friends and neighbours, and to substitute political opinions for virtue, intelligence, and patriotism. Already the wise and good of all parties, entertain apprehensions, lest the interests of the people and the duties of government, might be forgotten in the solicitude for party power, and the hatred of political opponents."
Massachusetts Governor Christopher Gore circa 1809
"Remember to always be yourself. Unless you can be batman. Then always be batman." Unknown
At one time US congressmen and senators would shoot and attack each others with canes, etc. This current level of party polarity is pretty mild.
Think one side over dramatizes the danger of the other side winning? LBJ's people wanted to run a commercial implying that electing Barry Goldwater would have the world end in nuclear war!
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
I remember that ad - was pulled after only a few runs. Somewhere on YouTube there are some quotes from the early 1800's from politicians running for office that imply their opponent beat and molest kids and worse!
I'm beginning to think the way to run nominations for office is to have them fight it out WWE-style. Last one standing is the nominee.
