Tolerance is becoming obsolete.

            Tolerance and respect were once default values for many of us.  When you met someone you automatically extended respect to them as person and tolerance if their views ran contradictory to yours.

            It wasn't always like that but it seemed that in the latter half of the twentieth century people were migrating more and more to a level of common decency that was lacking in previous years.  Now, we seem more divided than ever.

            Or, are we?  Are we that divided or is it those with the loudest voices and the most money on the far left or far right telling us we are so far apart.  The strength of the people fighting those who want to divide us has held us together for more than two centuries.  Can that strength endure again or is the today's chasm too wide?

            Some argue that respect is earned. Well, common courtesy and respect for a person can be displayed at the onset.  That respect can be elevated or eliminated as you get to know someone.  Courtesy can always be shown – even if you're the only one showing it.  It's easy to handle those who prefer arrogance over courtesy – simply avoid them.

            If a politician makes a promise to get your vote then fails to deliver on it, blaming the failure on someone else, well maybe they shouldn't have promised it in the first place.  Or, maybe you should be leery of promises made on the campaign trail.

            If you're a Democrat, you're not automatically a socialist.  If you're a Republican, you're not automatically a racist.  To claim such, especially by a high-ranking elected official, is an embarrassment and brings shame to the person and the office held.

            If I agree with you I'm not automatically right and if I disagree with you I'm not automatically wrong.  It's easy to get along when we agree.  That shouldn't change when we disagree – respectfully.

            The adolescent catch-phrases you sling at people to show your social-media "wokeness" and 21^st Century "hipness" only presents you as an immature fool poking a stick in the bears' cage.

            Watch out when door opens.  

            We used to refer to children "acting up" if they didn't get their way as throwing tantrums.

            There are plenty of tantrums being thrown in and around Washington, DC now.  Wouldn't it be it great if we could collectively tell elected officials to take a "time-out" and stand in the corner until they learn how to get along?

            Getting along like there's two of you and only one piece of cake.  Cut it in half and each take a piece.  There's three cans of juice on the table but you only have two hands.  Take two and leave the third on the table for next time.  We agree on three out of four items.  Let's get the first three done now and work out our disagreement on number four later.   

            Tolerance doesn't always mean we will agree, but exercising it can help get more positive results.