Politics has never been for the faint of heart. It can be a brutal experience, one that is rough and tumble at the best of times, and downright cruel at others.

My impression, however, which I have reached through regular reading of the Municipal Information Network and other media and not from scientific analysis, is that there is growing evidence of more councillor misbehaviour and increased friction between and amongst elected officials.

When you throw in the public's often vigorous participation (heckling at meetings, etc.), the breaking of municipal codes of conduct, and the blather and animosity on social media, it makes for a bubbling stew of emotions and incompatibility.

There has always been conflict in the political arena. In the past, that usually has been focused on policy differences: I like rye bread, you prefer sourdough, let's debate and then go for a chicken salad sandwich.

But in recent years, there has been a growing animosity, anger, and spitefulness in politics. The level of rhetoric has been cranked up; civility has plummeted. The parliament, legislature, council chamber and school board have become more toxic.

Not that many years ago, there was an understanding by smart politicians that they usually needed to find a compatible middle ground. That often resulted in better legislation that earned a higher acceptance by the public.

Today, however, it seems that the sides are so entrenched that reaching a middle ground is impossible--or unacceptable. The current battle in the US about shutting down the government over budgets, which happens with astonishing regularity in Washington, is a prime example. Every few months Congress seems to want to scare the heck out of the world's economy by getting to the brink of not funding America's government. It is averted at the last minute by an ugly deal that simply kicks the can down the road, so they can do it all over again. Insanity.

There also seems to be more personal animosity between elected officials everywhere. Harder and harder lines are being drawn. Fewer and fewer friendships are made.

Look, during my four terms on council I was no angel. I did not like a couple of other elected officials. I thought one was a slimy weasel, I thought another was a pious prig. I'm sure they thought worse of me. I didn't want anything to do with them. Everybody else, I could do business with.

Personalities are going to clash from time to time. Politics attracts few shrinking violets. But after you leave the chambers and the debate, it is nice to be able to go out for a beer with your political opponents.

I don't think that happens much anymore.

Too bad.

I don't know if we are ever going to regain that belief in the greater good in public life. Lines are sharply drawn. Social media comments are bitter and angry. Media prefer covering conflict to compatibility. There is no doubt that the Trump influence in politics has ratcheted up the rhetoric and the invention of 'alternative facts'.

It is a nasty environment for elected officials. But some of that they bring on themselves with their actions and words. We need to regain civility in politics.