This blog has long stood foursquare against the notion of "civility" as it is conventionally understood, because "standing threesquare" sounded chintzy and "fivesquare" like climbing. Ha ha we joke.
But we are not opposed entirely to the Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert rally.
This requires some explanation. Let us therefore, uh, explain.
Our position in regards to "civility" is Complex because we are ever so smart. But to be precise:
Premise: "civility" is a lesser virtue than "truth."
Demonstration A:
A. "Let us have a polite conversation."
B. "OK. I believe the Holocaust was a fake. See how polite I am. Let us politely debate further."
Conclusion: Civility has its limits.
But you don't even need to bring something as egregious as the Holocaust into it.
Demonstration B:
A. "Let us have a polite conversation."
B. "OK. I believe pants are the work of the devil unless slathered with hot sauce. Please remove yours and uncap this bottle for me. See how polite I am. Let us politely debate further."
"Civility" is impossible to achieve when you are dealing with someone convinced that their right to speak trumps their responsibility to not talk shit.
So, uh, climate change.
There are not "two sides." There are the facts, and then there is a major political party and a major television network commited to talking shit.
And that commitment to talking shit means the Greatest Nation on Earth is paralyzed in the face of a catastrophe it was duly warned was inevitable.
The Stewart/Colbert rally indeed speaks to an unmet need in the current political climate.
But this is not a need for "civility." It's a need for truth.
Address climate change.
The insider financial industry idiots who wrecked our economy need to be held accountable. Fire them. Or hate on them, at least.
Wars need to be explicable before taxpayers pay taxes for them.
If you're going to spend money to create jobs, create jobs with that money.
Stop with the torture apologias.
Homosexuals should be allowed to marry, serve in the military, and be out and proud Senate minority leaders.
Don't confuse "civility" and "truth."