I understand that politics is about rhetoric and hyperbole. Through rhetoric, the art of persuasion, politicians, activist and yes preachers attempt to sway public opinion to their cause or viewpoint, whatever that may be.

Lately though I have notice a disturbing trend in the political rhetoric. It has been escalating in absurdity in the effort to win cheap political points. And of course there are many who I could point to who are guilty of this: Councilor Stephen Orser of London On. and his use of a Nazi propaganda posters in council chambers in his crusade against fluoride in the water or perhaps Mayor Rob Ford of Toronto and his fight for subways and holding off the attacks of the “war on cars”.

It seems the rhetoric gets more exaggerated with each passing year. In the 80’s we had the “war on drugs”. I could see that, and even possibly getting behind using the term “war” in such a manner. Today though, we have the “war on sugar”, the “war on Christmas” and like Rob Ford said, the “war on cars”.

I for one find this analogy distasteful and disrespectful. War is not a term to be used lightly. War is ugly, brutal and devastating and it leaves it marks on those who suffered through it for the rest of their lives and the lives of their families.

Comparing a disagreement about public policy between light rail and subways as a “war” is ludicrous at best. It belittles the sacrifice of so many and the loss of life in actually wars and the scars that are born, internally and externally, on those that fought in real “war”.

By using this kind of inflammatory language the rhetorician does nothing but polarizes the debate. Remember the “you are either with us, or with the pedophiles” from Minister Vic Toews? There can be no debate, discussion or agreement reach. Polarized.

I am not sure how many Christmas trees have lost their lives in the “war on Christmas” or how many Elves now have prosthetic limbs. Although it is entertaining to imagine a war torn field in France perhaps with bloody Christmas trees, but it is also quite ridiculous.

I am not sure how many Hemis are buried or where the monument is the brave sacrifice of so many carbs and fuel injectors for the greater benefit of our society as they sought to defend the way of life of car culture.

My hope is the next time and each time a politicians use such outrageous rhetoric we as engaged citizens would write to them and explain to them what real “war” is like, the horrors of “war” and how their glib treatment of those who suffered through “war” is unacceptable.

Let us use our voices to help politicians dial down the rhetoric so we can make our cities, provinces and nations work again. So that we don’t fight a “war on Christmas”, but instead disagree over the implications of a religious holiday being forced upon a secular society and what are the limits of public versus private space. I would much rather be part of that debate then fighting a so called “war on Christmas”.