This has been a tempestuous campaign season. Republicans and Democrats both have declared this a historic turning point, with “the very future of the country” at stake. Whoever winds up in control of Congress will either save or destroy America as we know it, depending on which side you listen to, and as a result, the rhetoric is boiling.

It can’t be a coincidence that someone sent pipe bombs around the country to some of President Donald Trump’s strongest critics, or that a hate-filled madman decided to attack the Tree of Life Synagogue in Philadelphia after billionaire George Soros, who is Jewish, is accused of financing the migrant caravans heading toward the US from south of the border.

It may not be fair to blame Trump or any other firebrand politician or commentator for these despicable acts, but it would be fair to ask people to turn down the rhetoric. Politics may not be “beanbag,” as one famous saying puts it, but it also doesn’t have to be flamethrowers at 10 paces.

It’s too late for this election, but once the votes are tallied, let’s hope those who are elected will be able to find some common ground amidst all the scorched earth that the campaign has left, and at least treat each other with a little civility and respect.