What do we fear? Each other. Who are we boring to death? Same thing.

I feel like that guy with his finger in the dike -- and increasingly I'd like to stick my fingers in my ears.

Reading the blog posts the last 72 hours here at the In Box has been disheartening. Really, honestly, depressing.

It's not that we all disagree. That's the cool part.

I think there are legitimate differences of opinion out there about how our country (and our congressional district) should move forward.

Activists on the right are truly frightened of what they perceive as government over-reaching, oppressive taxation, and an agenda that doesn't reflect their traditional values.

Activists on the left are terrified that many of what they perceive as their liberties -- the right to choose (or not choose) an abortion, the right to marry whom they like -- are imperiled.

Those are deeply entrenched positions, granted. It's incredibly hard, as Republican Dede Scozzafava learned, to stake out a middle ground.

But really. Those of us posting here aren't politicians. We have the luxury of talking openly, playing with ideas, listening to others, responding in complex ways.

But some of the posts to this site, from the right and left, are predictable, thoughtless, and nonsensical. Not to mention hateful.

The idea that conservatives are part of an "American taliban"? That's nuts, plain and simple.

And the idea that liberals are "Marxists" or "Maoists"? Please.

Sheesh. It's embarrassing. It's not even remotely thought-provoking. You know what it is? It's boring.

There are a kajillion websites out there where you can go to flame your perceived enemies. You can echo-chamber yourselves until you're blue in the face.

But next time you come to the In-Box, before you hit Enter...stop.

Slow down. Think for a second about the sources of your information. Think about the other side's point of view.

Consider that these are people whose kids go to the same schools as yours, who attend the same churches, who (yes) share conversation at their public radio station's website.

They are your fellow citizens, and your neighbors. If they've come to think differently from yourself, that's kind of interesting, right?

What does it mean? Is there anything in their argument that got you thinking?

Above all else stop with the name calling. It's the ultimate sign of a callow argument. If you think NCPR is bad, or liberal, or milk-toasty, make an argument.

If you think Sarah Palin is the wicked witch, make your case. Don't just grab for the same tired talking points.

Think Frank Rich's argument is kookoo? Wrestle with it. Debunk it with facts.

Cite errors, cite judgments or interpretations you disagree with. But spare the profanity and the schoolyard razzing.

Remember. The best way to prove that your side is smart and thoughtful and convincing is to be smart and thoughtful and convincing...