Agreed, there are extremists on both sides. I debate with some of the folks on the left on a regular basis--but in a civil manner. The vast majority of the undemocratic behavior at town halls this summer was exhibited by right-wingers; the same kind of conduct could be seen at some of the Palin rallies (Shouts of "Kill him" (Obama) are documented)

What do I mean by undemocratic? I mean shouting down and talking over and abusing verbally others just trying to express their points of view--at the town halls. This kind of conduct cannot be tolerated. It reminds one of some of the behavior seen in the late 30's, in Germany.

Now, some of my friends on the left I do sometimes take issue with. I question those who seem to regard compromise as a sign of weakness. But this kind of debate proceeds at the idea level, not played in a spirit of hate at public forums

No one has all of the answers. We all have blinders on to some extent. And we can learn from our political adversaries, if we will only listen.

There are many things we can agree on. No one wants (including Obama) an exploding national debt. But we were forced into this situation (of the stimulus and bailouts) by years of misconduct by large financial institutions and other Wall Street Firms. The credit industry has been particularly irresponsible. Checks and balances are needed in both the private and public sector.

Can we not agree that the pay day and title loan companies need to be shut down? These companies prey on those in financial straights who turn to high-interest borrowing to deal with their crisis. On the other hand, individuals must take responsibility for their own decisions, when they turn to high interest lenders. And, as some of my family and friends have pointed out, irresponsible borrowing is fueled by low wages, lack of jobs, financial crisis in general, for example, when you are out of money to buy food and you have four kids to feed and clothe them...Thanks for your comment.