Richard - another area where we agree.  There should be a single standard for civility, regardless of the political affiliation of the commenter.  My standard is clearly different from most posters, as I consider any name calling to be uncivil. That's the standard I'd hold my daughter to; why would posters be different?  If a commenter's handle is by nature offensive (like this guy), I downgrade every comment.  

But you're not paying close attention if you think liberals are the only offenders, or even the worst.  Read through the comments again - unsupported derision is the only game some commenters have. If you can't make a point without ridicule, well, you just can't make a point.