Beloved friends: is it seriously necessary to be completely rude when discussing politics? And is it necessary either to make stuff up or copy it from unreliable sources? I'm pretty much done and over with it, & it's only August. If you switch on the hysteria and rudeness because you are incapable of having a polite, reasoned discussion, please do everyone a favor and SHUT UP! (And I don't care which side you're on as I say this, or how well I like you outside of political discussions.)

Thomas Jefferson must be rolling in his grave--NOT because President Obama got elected or because Gov. Romney might, but because we are using our blessed free choice as an excuse for pettiness, meanness, and even cruelty.

And I promise you, there is a special place in hell for people who say either of the following: 1. The Aurora shooting proves there should be no gun control, because just think how great it would've been if only a dozen people could have shot back (no doubt hitting each other, too); or, 2. The Aurora shooting proves there should be gun control like crazy, because the shooter couldn't have gotten a gun otherwise (because lunatics scrupulously follow laws).  Shame on you for using such a horrific tragedy to further your own political agenda.

What the Aurora shooting does prove is that we should treat each other—especially those we love most, but yes, everyone—with kindness, love, and respect, because we never know when they will be taken away from us. Next time you want to call me stupid because of my political views, especially when the best “reason” you can come up with for your views is “because I said so and you’ll just see!” promise me you’ll consider how you would speak if Jesus were standing in front of you. Or Thomas Jefferson, who might just be wondering if freedom of speech was such a smart idea after all.

Personally, I like freedom of speech. Yours AND mine. And even if, in my own head, I’m thinking you’re an idiot to believe what you do, I promise not to be rude to you.  How about you promise to do the same?