“Honest difference of views and honest debate are not disunity. They are the vital process of policy among free men.”

Amos Bruce was a great American cab driver who carried a law library in top of his head. I asked him why he would read a certain book when we both knew the author had views we did not like. He replied that you can never learn anything from anyone that you are in total agreement. He was the legal researcher for Tupper Saucy's Main Street Journal. Tupper wrote: The Miracle On Main Street .

Unless you're talking about secession, right? Then you're a traitor (kinda like our founders). Yes, we need more debate and less arguing. It's been decades since I've seen a good political debate -- the sophistry that's spewed out by current politicians, left and right, is getting old.

Dave, according to your site, it says you've been at this a long time ;-), me too. As to honest differences, in my case, thanks go to the Wafflers and others for the help in furthering research and knowledge.

Yes, I agree, Unfortunately, jingles, sound-bites, and trite slogans seem to dominate political 'debate' these days. "Change"? Sheesh -- isn't that a bit too general? "Terror"? Is fear now an abuse of one's rights? "American values"? OK, what are they? How about actually standing for something tangible? That's like using the word "God" -- whoever hears it believes that it is their 'god' that is being talked about. Few people really care to delve into details -- it puts people to sleep and you get so many different views that it is hard to rally support behind them. An honest debate would be nice -- however, only the candidate lagging in the polls dares call for one. Maybe Americans should vote on their values first -- you might be surprised how few of them we all agree on.