Folks in politics don’t all have it easy. I’ve had great jobs in the government from an early age. I've been lucky and seen a lot.

When I worked for the Carter administration in my twenties, it was fascinating going to the White House, working with the staff - from adminstrators to mailmen to maids, and discovering they ALL had great stories and great power. We’re all just people, it’s easy to forget that when you see people in person and then that night see them on the news. Early on, I often offered to drive Senators, Cabinet Members and others to places in my car, and our conversations were fascinating, more personal than you’d think. I've seen more arguments between spouses than I’d care to repeat. And White House maids were a hoot - can't tell you how many times they'd say "I'm not supposed to let you in here...but come on in and look at this room...just don't touch anything!"

Later, when I worked for former President Ford I’d work morning to evening, and discovered how good the Secret Service is. Once they see that the President wants you, you’re let inside the bubble, one of the few folks who can be next to the President and alone with him. The Secret Service is rarely more than 15 feet away from him – and the protectees get used to that quickly when they realize it’s for their own protection.

We'd have big events at the Hilton in DC. Folks were packed cheek to jowl. We all had to were black tie to match the President (so I loved buying a tuxedo and taking it as a business expense on my taxes). Funny to see all the Secret Service agents in tuxes. And they were tough and firm with the public, took no grief from all the folks. 

Anyone in politics, I guess anyone with a public profile, often is harassed and threatened.  Unfortunately, it’s part of the culture, and I think it’s getting worse. I’ve had positions on town councils, political and business leadership, and over 50 years doing this I’ve had 5 personal death threats. Compared to higher officials that’s nothing. Yes, you may not like your Cogressmen, Senators, Governor or County folks but they ALL get death threats and need to deal with harassment. Mr’s Raskin, Moore and Van Hollen all face constant verbal attacks and threats – and often need protection. I think female officials need to worry twice as much about harassment. They all worry about their families and friends. Some get protection, most don’t. Now even our local candidates get harassed and verbally abused. Being a Republican in a deep blue county means most people think you deserve verbal abuse – maybe it’s encouraged by the cesspool of social media.

Will it return to a more civil environment? I doubt it. I’ve seen the march of society to more abusive interactions among neighbors – social media encourages clicks and views, and that’s accomplished by bad speech and bad behavior.

Any idea how to change that?