During my most recent foray to the Capitol, a lawmaker announced he didn't like a particular health practice and was using his position as committee chairman to schedule a hearing, though the topic would normally — and more logically — be heard in another committee. Hey, you might not get the results you want in a committee you don't chair, right? It's certainly harder to control the discussion. And people who watch particular committee agendas might actually see the topic was to be discussed. Worse, they might want to participate, and who wants to hear from them, anyway?

It's not that I think the end result would necessarily be wrong. I am just offended by the lack of consideration given to common citizens in general and to anyone who has a differing opinion in particular.

I dislike the nasty tenor of some of the election campaigns this year, the attitude that you can say anything, true or not, if it gains you a little ground at the polling place. My sister says that if someone were just civil, he'd be half-way to getting her vote. Mine, too.

We've been so worn down and eroded by incivility that we hardly notice. We celebrate rudeness. Spectacularly bad behavior is being packaged and sold to us as "entertainment." You have to shock us a little just to nudge us out of our naps, I guess.

Certain words are in danger of falling out of the dictionary. Words like "statesman," with its image of honor, respect and real leadership.

Reporters and editors love to ask candidates to fill out questionnaires. I've got some questions: Have you ever listened, politely, to someone who feels differently about an issue than you do? When you're not actively campaigning, do you care what your constituents think? Did you actually read in its entirety the bill or rule or regulation before you voted on it? Have you asked to hear an opposing view just to be sure you're not missing something important? Are you willing to learn anything new? Etc.

There can be no surer indication of character than how someone treats others, especially those who are not as well-positioned when it comes to clout.

Pol-watching is instructive. And destructive.

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Deseret Morning News staff writer Lois M. Collins may be reached by e-mail at lois@desnews.com