Randy adds this:

"The Death of Dialogue

Ever since Newt Gingrich made it fashionable to demonize the
opposition by calling them the "enemy" and enshrining the concept of
winning at all costs, the political dialogue in this country has been
on a slippery slope. We no longer debate issues nor honor dissent. The
concept of the loyal opposition is history. Instead , those in
disagreement with the administration are castigated as "cowards" and
"traitors." Spin, slander,and slogans are the order of the day. Flag
draped caskets are hidden from public view, while tax cuts for the
rich are advanced as evidence of concern for the public weal.
Meaningless mantras like "Stay the course" or "fight them there so we
don't have to fight them here" are blared daily to obfiscate the lack
of discourse and reasoned planning. The patriotism of veterans who
have served honorably and long is questioned by opponents who have
never worn the uniform.

It is time to remember that the soldiers who froze at Valley Forge
were not the sons of the privileged class. Those who are bleeding and
dying in Iraq are not the sons and daughters of those wealthy
elitists, who enjoy the largess of the administration, who benefit
from tax cuts for the rich and grow fat on sole source government
contracts. It is time to respond to the substance of criticism rather
than libel the critic."