text: I don't listen much to TV news, except for NPR.  Then, I read various publications -- mostly on-line.  I mostly stay away from the comment boards, because I think that most are not places where any real conversation takes place.  I also do not listen to our esteemed governor's rants on the radio (Christie seems to delight in insulting people), but prefer to read about them in the local paper.  So, I guess that I'm a bit insulated from some of the rhetoric.  
  One of my projects when I retire will be to work with others on a way to make civics education more readily available and approachable.  We will see if we will be able to make a difference .... :-)
  Have a good night.