Sadly, in today's political climate, if you speak your mind you are derided by the 51 percent or the other 49 percent. Common discourse and exchange of ideas has given way to the puditocracy of Rush Limbaugh, Fox News, Ann Coulter and others on the "right" and Michael Moore, Al Franken and the like on the "left." Though I admittedly enjoy Moore and Franken's criticisms of the status quo, the right solidified its base while Clinton was in office and perfected the "Angry White Man" argument. Now, with Republicans, for all intents and purposes, in control of all three branches of government, the right still cries foul every chance they get as "victims" of the liberal media, liberal judges, etc.
I came across this article, describing the loss of true conservatism during the current administration and its roots and causes. This is written by a man once lauded by his conservative brethren for his contributions to their discourses on Fox, Rush, etc, but upon his declaration that the war in Iraq was a "strategic blunder," is now persona non grata among his former audiences.
The link is here: http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=76&ItemID=7056

Let's not lose public discourse to the rabid right and left. Next time you hear an opposing viewpoint, try and understand the logic behind the other person's thinking. I have been on both sides and have seen the dehumanization of people with different views and backgrounds. We can make a difference.