I think the single-most threatening thing to our democracy is increasing irascibility and incivility in our public discourse.

The talk radio nabobs spread this coarseness daily, and inquiring minds who want to know- but can’t quite think on their own- repeat the nonsense.

Half-truths, rumors, out-of-context stories and plain old piffle gets tossed around as fact.

Thoughtful debate and real understanding are the casualties of this culture of conflict.

In her book “The Argument Culture,” Deborah Tannen shines a light on this corrosive feature of American culture and public life.

Give it a read.