The fact of coexistence  I don't get that excited about the
perennial calls for civility in politics. Treating others with
respect is important, and I certainly have no problem with
political discourse that's even friendly and good-humored. But
it's not clear that the latter serves any purpose beyond
itself—that it builds understanding or encourages useful
moderation or enables compromise. Chatting may be generally
preferable to yelling, but it's not really a solution to
division and gridlock.  I do, however, appreciate timely
reminders that our neighbors include those we disagree with.
This is a fact, after all, not just a gauzy sentiment—and it's a
fact that has serious implications for us as citizens and as
Christians.  Last night in Charlotte there were several points
where the gloves came off, notably in former Ohio governor Ted
Strickland's speech. (I don't really object to the ordained
person on the program giving 'em the most hell, though I didn't
love the way he turned the synoptics' "treasure in hea