When I first visited this country as a teenager in the mid-80’s, I remember sitting around an evening campfire in Yosemite, tired after days of climbing. There was a debate amongst 10 or so people who were much older than me, that lasted for hours. It was lively, political and intense. But it was also really inspirational, as various people from all over the nation (and from vastly different social demographics) argued their points passionately. But there was no mudslinging and no personal attacks. The dialogue was intelligent and insightful. This made a huge impression on me and probably was the pivotal moment that had me fall in love with this country. I had stumbled upon a nation where a whole bunch of random people can express themselves articulately. A place where people argued their points exhaustively, ruffled some feathers and left the debate smarter, more informed and still friends.

What has happened subsequently, and what I suppose has been dubbed the “dumbing down of America”, is appalling. Hopefully common sense will prevail before all debates return to the dynamics of the elementary schoolyard. The orphan works legislation is serious business indeed.