If you would foster good feelings between those of different opinions, host the debate. If you want the issues to be discussed fairly and evenly, because you feel they are important, then host the discussion. The man who sets the table, sets the rules. So, if you seek more decorum in public discussion, be the one who offers the debaters a place at the table.
Blessed are the peacemakers. . . . And, there certainly is room for peacemaking in the world of politics.
Every time a controversial issue arises, round up the highest authorities willing to come and comment, and let them discuss the matter. If that means senators and mayors, wonderful. But, if it means lesser players, go with it.
Of course, you will have to be a large enough entity that an invitation from you matters. In Utah -- if Utah were to seek to be such a player in national affairs -- one possible host would be the Deseret News. Since getting the story in the media would be important (for a stage without an audience means nothing), that would be one member of the media already carrying it.
The Deseret News has set rules for online comments for some time now. Perhaps the same rules could be applied to those who come to comment on national issues. By encouraging thoughtful, gentlemanly (and gentlewomanly) comment, the forum could help steer the country from the the divisive and uncivil discussions that are all too common these days.
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