Bush's words bring back memories

President George W. Bush’s eulogy of Dick Cheney, his vice president, brought back memories of a kinder, gentler America—a time when those elected to office did what was best for our country not their political party.

Bush reassuring words came after an unthinkable government shutdown (39 days) which paralyzed essential functions and threatened to stop flights during our country’s busiest travel time—Thanksgiving.

The shutdown underscored how angry and bitterly divided our nation is today. The old adage “Don’t personalize difference” has been wiped out by a tsunami of character assassinations....