Politicians shouldn't encourage divisive politics

Our politicians should avoid adopting a hateful and divisive tone when talking about their opponents. The way some politicians refer to their opponents as being murderers without presenting any evidence, for example, is not only offensive but removes any possibility of reconciliation between the contestants.

When politicians resort to such tactics, their followers feel emboldened to also use them to undermine people with alternative points of views. This causes all kinds of social disharmony.

Most importantly, such rhetoric blocks all forms of healthy debate around issues of great public interest. It is time our politicians began treating political opponents with respect and dignity. They may have differences of opinion with other people, but that doesn't give them the right to continually slander them.