Children are back in school learning lessons about playing nice, sharing their toys, being kind to others and not engaging in name-calling or bullying.

If you want those lessons to stick, keep them away from the evening news.

Extreme partisanship in politics is poisoning the atmosphere of this country and hindering its ability to solve the many serious problems facing its people.

Listen to almost any elected official or candidate. There are too many references to "them" - as if those with differing views are not part of the same "team" working for the common good. "We" will never move toward the common good, if lawmakers can't even figure out that "they" and "them" must work as one "us".

The partisanship and name-calling might solidify support with hard-core constituents on the edges of the political spectrum, but it alienates the vast middle ground where the majority of Americans remain. It contributes to governmental gridlock and lower voter turnout.

We need to get past the ideology and get things done.

We need to acknowledge our differences without demonizing those with whom we disagree. Then we need to look toward consensus and away from the winner-takes-all attitude.

The health care debate - or shouting match - is a prime example.

If you listen beneath the screams, there is consensus that "something" needs to be done.

Find the points on which there is agreement. Recognize that everyone isn't going to get what he or she wants - especially all at once. Then, fix the problem a little at a time.

The situation in Illinois is no better.

There is consensus that the state's budget is out of whack and steps need to be taken to bring balance between revenue and spending. But no one is looking for the middle ground.

While factions at the national level freely and inaccurately throw around labels such as "socialist," "extremist" and "Hitler," the biggest, baddest label in Illinois is "Blagojevich." Nearly every politician -outside of and within the party of the disgraced former governor -tries to link opponents to Rod Blagojevich.

The acrimony is nothing new. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood tried - with little success - to bring more civility to Congress when he represented Central Illinois in the House of Representatives.

But the level of discord is increasing.

The ranting isn't just coming from politicians, of course. Talk radio and talking heads on television - especially cable channels - have provided their unfair share of gasoline to this fire. Also fanning the flames are protesters at "tea parties" and town hall meetings.

Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing that deserves protection, but it also deserves to be exercised in a responsible manner, if you expect to accomplish anything.