In the aftermath of the Tucson tragedy, there has been much renewed discussion about the tenor of political discourse in America and the need for a return to a more civil tone among those with divergent views. But even such a horrible national event couldn’t tear many in the politicosphere from their ideological high horses. Yes, after the initial burst of partisan finger pointing, a temporary truce was established in which leaders from each side struck just the right pose of civility and conciliation for the nation to see to help the “collective healing,” before returning the following week to business as usual. It reminds me of how a bitterly divorced couple puts on an air of unity to see their now-adult child get married, then immediately after the “I dos” returns to their previous state of loathing.

This topic is near and dear to me as I have attempted to maintain a respectful tone in my blogging (with, admittedly, a few false steps), even when I occasionally drift into Partisanland. I have also written about why our political discourse is so toxic and offered suggestions on how to encourage a more civil tone our political conversations. I even made a short-lived attempt to organize a National Civil Discourse Day. Inevitably, it died a quick and painless death.

And, like so many Americans, I was moved by President Obama’s speech in Tucson. But the feeling didn’t last long; the inspiration turned to futility as soon as I returned to the real world of politics. Despite my efforts to maintain a modicum of optimism toward the hope for a calmer and more reasoned tone in the politicosphere, I have come to the conclusion that it is a pipe dream that will never happen.

In a utopian world, ideals would trump the coarser motivators in life. Respect, rationality, and maturity would dictate civil discourse, even in the most noxious political environs. But ideals no longer seem to have a place in our culture. Other unruly forces, including greed, narcissism, arrogance, and power, trump the quiet and restrained strength of civility and have become the unwritten law of the political landscape.

There is simply too much to be gained from angry discourse for it to stop. Cable news channels, political web sites, and bloggers profit financially from the vitriol. The egomaniacal ranting-and-raving talking heads get the attention they crave. The lunatic fringe, however small in number and ill informed, can be heard above the already eardrum-breaking political din. The ideological bases are given red meat to satisfy their voracious appetites. And those who suffer the most, the disenfranchised, helpless, and hopeless, are able to turn their fear and desperation into anger and determination.

Is there any hope? In the politicosphere, I believe the answer is no. The current zeitgeist is just too rotten and maggot infested to offer any hope of a change in tone. But for those of the populace who aren’t ideologically arrogant or rigid, can separate the truth from the spin, are still governed by reason and the desire for respectful engagement, and not willing to lower themselves into the political sewer, there is a smidgen of hope. And, to quote our president, the “audacity of hope” is all that we have right now.