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Mike Gerson on the Current Incivility

The former presidential speechwriter examines what makes Wanda Sykes and Al Franken tick.
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Columnist Michael Gerson says our verbal nastiness is nothing to laugh at.

The first response to the performer on a public stage wishing the death of a stranger for political reasons was discomfort. Wanda Sykes had "crossed a line" at the White House Correspondents Dinner in accusing Rush Limbaugh of terrorism and treason, mocking his past drug addiction and wishing his kidneys would fail. But a counterreaction soon developed: Humor is often transgressive, and if you can't take it, don't dish it, and let's everyone lighten up a bit, and can't anyone take a joke anymore?

The initial reaction was more human.

March
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