Alan Colmes Dies, Along With What Was Left of Political Civility

We are a very divided, polarized nation. It wasn’t always that way. If you were born before perhaps 1965 or so, you probably recall a time when disagreements on politics were for the most part just that – disagreements. Public discourse was far more civilized in years gone by.

Even during the Reagan years, the Gipper was able to work (sometimes) with opposition leader, Tip O’Neill, the Democrat speaker of the house during the Reagan presidency. In his memoirs, Reagan said that he and O’Neill were “friends – after 6:00 PM”. I also recall when staunch liberal Democrat Hubert Humphrey died, his long-time nemesis in the U.S. Senate – Barry Goldwater – referred to Humphrey as a “patriot”. Coming from rock-ribbed constitutionalist Goldwater, there could be no greater compliment. Despite the fact they seldom agreed on policy, the two men were friends and shared a great respect for each other. I thought of that as I read the news about the death of Alan Colmes. Colmes passed away suddenly at 66, after a brief illness. Colmes, of course for years was paired up with Sean Hannity on Fox News as part of “Hannity and Colmes”. Colmes had a tough job being the opposition to Hannity, who like Rush Limbaugh has a very bombastic and domineering personality. Despite that, Colmes made a valiant effort to make a cogent left-wing rebuttal. Sometimes he even succeeded (somewhat).

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The thing was that Colmes generally managed to stay rational and personable. Much like the Humphrey/Goldwater relationship, Sean Hannity had some very kind words for his old adversary:

“Despite major political differences, we forged a deep friendship. Alan, in the midst of great sickness and illness, showed the single greatest amount of courage I’ve ever seen. And through it all, he showed his incredible wit and humor that was Alan’s signature throughout his entire life. I’m truly heartbroken at the loss of a dear friend.”

With the passing of Colmes, it may represent the final passing of any civilized discourse on issues. The so-called mainstream media has tacked so very hard to the left that they are openly opposing President Trump with impunity and in some cases even participating in protests. Their “coverage” plays right into the narrative believed by a heavily indoctrinated youth culture and all of the other “victimhood” groups that in turn has inspired violence against dissenting voices. College campuses which historically embraced free speech have become fascist centers where freedom of speech exists only for the left-wing politically correct. Welcome to the divided states of America. You know, I never agreed with Alan Colmes, but I think I’m going to miss him.