Civil discourse

Couldn't help thinking, as we drove past Chaco listening to Pres. Obama from the Caribbean on satellite radio, that he is modeling civil discourse in foreign relations, an example that could well be followed at home in Congress and generally between the two major parties.

Instead of demonizing those we disagree with, it would be nice if we could treat them as human beings who differ with us on specific issues and may (if we look a little) agree with us on some issues. We've evolved to a position where too many people automatically discount everything someone from the other party (Democrat OR Republican) or from a nation we disagree with says.  

Maybe we could then move from knee-jerk reactions to responses and initiatives that originate in a higher part of the body.