Absence of empathy is the greatest evil - bigger than left or right.

[Selwynn]

Absence of empathy and a decency of spirit is the greatest evil, far greater that right or left - and as I have been reminded this weekend, that particular evil knows no party lines.

Too many people today choose the quick and easy way and mistake hatred and rage for courage and resistance to tyranny. Too many people believe that its OK to spew venom and cynicism and revel in the suffering of others because "we are right." But I don't believe it is possible to be "right" and embrace those attitudes. The "left" isn't correct by default. "It" is only correct insofar as it practices the principles it preaches, not just when its difficult, but when its hard.

When we don't we're no better than our opponents, and far, far, far more disappointing, because I expect better from my friends and colleagues, and all to often I see instead all the things that I reject in my opponents.

I understand and expect uncivil and cynical responses, and that's fine.