While politics have always been heated because of conflicts of various sides, our ability to succeed has always been contingent on a minimum level of civility. Sure, many conflicts have been less than civil, but at the end of the day, politicians should make decisions as to the best interests of their constituents.

The current flap with President Bush is no exception. Bush won his second term as president in 2004, and his term of office expires in January of 2009. After that, he cannot hold the office of president. Ever. Until that time, however, he is president until and unless removed by impeachment, and that is something the Democrats need to deal with. While I realize they are pandering to the public to try to win back control of the house and Senate in November's elections, it is possible, even probable, their strategy will backfire completely. The 2004 presidential elections were the first elections in my memory where more people voted AGAINST a candidate than FOR them (on both sides of the political equation). The Democrats snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by focusing not on the positive improvements that they intend to make on society, but on the problems they had with the current administration. Somehow, like a dog that continually tangles itself in its own chain, they have felt it necessary to continue the strategy, ignoring the mass exodus of moderates who aren't even compelled by the strong pull of Hollywood libs to return to the fold.

When a Senator or a Congressman steps into their office, they should have ONE GOAL in mind: the best interests of their constituents. They should be able to compromise and work with their political opponents to receive the best results for the most people. And they should be able to present examples of how they will make positive change, rather than how their opponent makes negative change. Informed voters already know of the incumbent's successes and failures, they want to know what the challenger will do differently.

I will make a prediction in 2006: if the Democrats don't get their act together and change their strategy, they will be further marginalized. I believe most races will go to candidates who can put together positive, cohesive ideas for change and not those who engage in extemporaneous slam fests in a public forum. I believe people are tired of it, and are willing to vote out those who would participate in such strategies if a better option is presented.