A civil matter

I rarely discuss politics with anyone these days and haven't for a long time, years in fact. The reason why is probably the same reason why others are loathe to do so: because it's becoming increasingly difficult if not impossible to discuss one's political beliefs with another person who has a differing opinion without being judged, ridiculed or insulted. To watch the news or various social media platforms(e.g. YouTube) is to see an ongoing meatgrinder of ugly arguments and even fisticuffs between people over politics or other petty and ridiculous reasons. Maybe it's me but the level of civility and respect shown towards others is on the decline in America. I think it's been on the decline for a long time and to be honest I'm not sure if it will ever get any better. We live in an "entitlement" culture now where we act like we're the center of the universe and what we want we want NOW. When things don't go our way or when we encounter an aggravation in life we go ballistic and take it out on other people. I've had to work at controlling my temper for my entire life and also at being able to better deal with the daily aggravations that present themselves to me. I'd like to think I'm a better adjusted person now: a good listener, less judgmental, more open minded and more tolerant of all the things large and small that could trigger a bad reaction in me. I can still do better and efforts are absolutely ongoing. I mention "efforts" because that's what it takes. It's easy to hate, to judge, to ridicule another person for ANY reason. Not doing those things takes work but it's worth the effort to try. It is my hope that Americans can do a better job of treating each other with courtesy, respect, empathy and sympathy. I still have faith that one day we'll get there.