As observers of this column, EnergyBiz Insider, you know that we take a reasoned approach to analyzing important energy issues. In turn, 99.9 percent of the letters we receive are just as engaging and rational. It’s an imperative dynamic and one that defines our forum. More significantly, it works.

In life, most folks are kind and sensible. But, oftentimes, when they are put in the political or media spotlight, they become rude and self-aggrandizing. This has certainly been the case of many political pundits, who decry members of the opposition as the devil incarnate. While this type of behavior may have lured like-minded thinkers into their fold, it is totally alien to just about everyone else.

If the recent presidential race is any indicator, it seems that the enlightened moderates are prevailing in the bid to win the hearts and souls of the masses – a clear repudiation to those that throw kerosene on any and every subject that can bring attention to themselves. It’s not only a welcome change but also one that is long overdue. Let’s hope that the era of divisive partisanship is coming to an end and that civility will once again live on.