Why do we think volume can substitute for substance? Why have we strayed so far from honest civic discourse? Why can't we at least give someone else the courtesy of hearing their opinion and then truly listen? Whatever happened to humility, empathy and the Golden Rule?

I'll answer none of these questions in depth here, but I will tease the issue for now, mention Bruce Springsteen and President Clinton, and show you one of my favorite pairs of footwear.