If nothing else stands out during the past year, the lack of civility in American culture certainly stands out. The inability of people to settle their differences, short of sporting their fists or a loaded gun, says something disturbing about this country.

Lessons in civility usually come from those at the top of the spectrum. This being a political season, it has never become more evident that incivility has taken the place of politeness in national dialogue.

Children are very impressionable and will use their newfound ways of settling their own arguments in the way in which they have been taught. Which is to say, you had better run away or, at least, duck to live another day.

Michael Boom, Lewiston