We have a virtue as conservatives and centrists - we listen. We react instead of pushing our agenda first. And this means we have blogs that do an excellent job of critiquing media bias and stupid policies.

But it’s obvious we need something more: the floodgates are open. Bush bashing is just the tip of the iceberg: Does anyone seriously think the next President is going to be treated any more kindly? Does anyone seriously think that we, who are very mature in the conduct of our private lives, are showing anything like grace and decorum when it comes to our conduct politically?

4. We need the Internet to be educative, not merely a diversion for bored teenagers or angry Leftists and libertarians. In education, listening is an activity, and a type of faction arises which not only tolerates disagreement but creates an environment where more thoughtful disagreement can occur. We need to set things up so we always make each other better, and not tear each other down.