The comment section: Not the place to stage a proper election

Since the launch of the current iteration of our website back in 2007, the Banner Graphic has abided by a few rules in the comment section of bannergraphic.com.

The official company line is as follows:

Refrain from obscenity in your comments, and to keep discussions civil, don't say anything in a way your grandmother would be ashamed to read.

We can make it even more simple: Don't be a jerk.

Those standards apply to the vast majority of stories on which comments actually are allowed.

There are three special cases involving news stories where no comments are allowed.

The first two seem obvious -- crime stories with a minor victim and any story involving a sex crime. There is no reason to take the chance of someone vindictively or carelessly identifying the victims of such crimes.

The third case is more ambiguous and probably disagreed with by many of our readers -- stories involving elections.

At first brush, it seems to many like an overly restrictive -- perhaps even un-American -- policy.

If a person can't speak freely about politics, one of the cornerstones of a functioning democracy, then what's even the point?

The problem, as we've learned on more than one occasion, is that such comments quickly devolve into something much different than the political discourse the founding fathers envisioned.

Instead, it quickly comes to choosing sides, refusing to listen and calling names.

Consider the name-calling that took place recently on U.S. Rep. Susan Brooks' (R-Ind. 5) Facebook page.

Brooks expressed her disappointment at Donald Trump after the Repubican presidential nominee questioned a judge's impartiality based solely on his ethnic heritage.

The congresswoman made a relatively tame statement about Trump's comments and was lambasted as a "witch," a "traitor" and, most amusingly, "Toots."

What is this, a 1930s ganster flick?

Name calling is not part of political discourse. At least it shouldn't be.

But when people can hide behind the anonymity and distance of their computer screen, they'll say what they want.

So avoid comments sections and social media for your strong political statements this election season.

Have something you want to say in the next five months? Sit down and have a discussion -- even a lively debate -- with your family and friends.

Look them in the eye and don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe.

It won't always be comfortable, but strong convictions aren't about comfort.

But remember the rule: Don't be a jerk.

Or, to hearken back to the website: Don't make Grandma ashamed.