Then a federal building in Oklahoma City exploded, and we realized that the very same ugliness can smolder among us. More and more we are fueled by anger, a fury fed by those who profit from it. Democrats hate Republicans. Gays hate straights. Women hate men.
Liberals hate conservatives.
Vegetarians hate meat eaters. Gun banners hate gun owners. Politicians, the media, even the entertainment industry is keenly aware that heated controversy wins votes, snares ratings and keeps the box office humming. They are experts at dangling the bait, and Americans are eager to rise to it. Our culture has replaced the bloody arena fights of ancient Rome with stage fights on TV with Sally, Ricki, Jerry, Jenny and Rosie.