I don't often agree with Mr. Kristof's world view, but this column resonates.  Perhaps that is because like him, I grew up in a small, rural western Oregon community, and I recognize many of the personalities and attitudes that he describes.

I agree with Mr. Kristof fully, that the ever-increasing polarization and meanness of public discourse, isn't good for any of us (right, left, or center).  :(  
Too bad there isn't some magic pixie dust to sprinkle on the Body Politic, so we collectively didn't immediately assume anyone with a different opinion than our own was corrupt, evil, mendacious, and criminally stupid.