Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

I was literally in the middle of reading an article on the NY Times website about the health care debacle when I had to stop and write this blog entry. I am confused by mobs at town hall meetings, name-calling in the media, and violent bursts toward other Americans. The good news about Obama? He has incited passion in this country. In the past, we have become something of a malaised and apathetic country. Yeah government was out of control and our debt was astronomical, but what were we going to do about it?? We, the people, had lost touch with our government. Well, no more. Suddenly, we are determined to make our voices heard...apparently through 2 feet of concrete walls at times. And the bad news about Obama? Well, he has polarized this nation something fierce. Or perhaps we've polarized ourselves. Either way, you either love his politics or you hate them...there is not a lot of middle ground. We all agree that Michelle has fantastic arms (with no jell-o swingin' from underneath that keeps on waving long after you've stopped. Don't we all want that in life?) and that his 2 daughters are J. Crew-cute. But it is about the man himself that everyone in this nation seems to have some sort of opinion. It is, for me, a fascinating phenomenon. And apparently that passion and emotion that he has stirred has lead to completely irrational and inexcusable behavior - from everyone (read: it's not just the republicans). These health care town meetings are just one example. I mean, does anyone else feel like we've time-warped back to Winston-Salem circa 1690 (plus the 24-hour news cycle and political pundits, of course)? My solution? Serve a little wine and just a tiny bit of pot and watch the country come together! I can see it now: This Town Hall Meeting Brought to You by Beringer and the University of Kentucky Ag Department. And wear some flowers in your hair....