I have indicted myself today. Two long-lasting threads of "debate" have been the superintendent referendum and a lopsided debate about a proposed beach walkover across hallowed ground at Topsail Preserve. After reflecting on the discourse, it struck me...no wonder the country is not moving forward. No wonder the county is not moving forward. Politicians respond to the will of the people. It seems the will of the people is not to move toward compromise. The will of the people is not to find our commonality as humans. Our will is to question motive and intelligence. Our will is to name-call and criticize. Our will is to be furious with those who don't agree with us 100 percent of the time. No wonder politicians at every level are held in such low opinion. They are a reflection of what we think about ourselves and each other.