When we vote for president and congressmen we vote based on many criteria. Some people vote by party, ideology, issues, experience, record, or charisma. One thing that we would do well to look at more is politeness.
The partisan politics of this century have brought many benefits to being a rude to the other party. Making sweeping demagogic accusations of the other party can put you on television and make you seem like a party leader, but it makes it very hard for the two parties to work together for the good of the nation.
It is also unpatriotic to say that half of our government is corrupt, evil, or a bunch of liars. It is much easier to compromise when both parties understand that their counterparts are just trying to do what they think is best for the nation.
We have to many people that will say controversial things just for the publicity. Anne Coulter and Michael Moore are good examples, but look at our politicians. I’m going to go out an a limb and say that Tom Delay calling the Democratic Party evil in a recent speech, and Hillary Clinton saying that the Republican party runs congress like a plantation on Martin Luther King day, are not good for the political atmosphere in our country, and therefore not good for out country.
It is politeness that these politicians need. They need to voice their opinions in a sensible and constructive way. It would be beneficial to politicians to be polite and make friends across the aisle because having powerful friend mean that they themselves are more powerful. Being respected by all of congress caries over to being respected by the people politicians represent.
Members of opposing parties need to understand that both parties are largely well meaning and have integrity. We have different views, but we all want what is best for America. We want what is best for America so badly that we are willing to go to great means to get what it best. We just need to make sure that our means do not outweigh the positive end we campaign for.  ¶ 5:13 PM