"My point to you is that no one party is responsible for the kind of climate that leads to this kind of thing. "

I think especially in terms of party leadership, the Dems have lots things to be held responsible for. I don't think I need to give the laundry list.

"Your guys do it here. I find it interesting that you would think anonymous vandalism might be OK:

Depends "how" he opposed a candidate."

Well, if "opposition" is other types of harassment and vandalism that would need to to added to the scale.

"What might the conditions be that would justify an attack on another person's property because of his political activities? "

Party affiliation, perhaps?"

Did I not say "Though I find it disgusting that people scratch a car or bust out a window"
Does disgusting mean something other than disgusting? Need more words: repulsive, sickening, immoral, evil, twisted, criminal, depraved, narcissistic/self-absorbed, delusional, anti-social, bigoted, mean spirited- you get the idea, don't you?

"Are people only thugs in the third person, as "their thugs"?"

As I have said in earlier posts, I'm not into this "party thing"

"BTW, the harrassment was not limited to his car windows. He received all kinds of ranting, hateful phone calls. He stayed active in that campaign, but dropped out of issue politics thereafter. He has become entirely disengaged from the community. It's become the place where he has a house. It's a shame, but I don't blame him. This is the price of partisan savagery."

Well, ultimately it always take two people to fight- though of course one can get between the cross fire. And people can be so deranged that it's mostly due what's going on in their heads- to a monkey, a smile can be an aggressive act, or whatever.
Defensive driving always seems like a good idea- sure, you can think the other guys might brake for you, but sometimes there are nuts out there and there are people not paying enough attention. [Of course, defensive driving doesn't mean deciding to not drive a car].
In above example you are mentioning, if the person wants to be political active, he/she might start by getting to know their closest neighbors- and working out from there. If opposition is found locally one might think ways to reach a compromise- which could include being absolute enemies, but at least agreeing to being honorable enemies.

As far as American Soldiers, every American should respect their service to our country. Attacking an American soldier even if somewhat provoked, is a bad thing to do. Completely unprovoked and it's simply treason- the citizen is unworthy of being a American citizen.